SCHOOL arrangements can prove complicated for working parents these days, and sudden changes cause real difficulties.

So, many parents will not be happy today after receiving notice only on Friday that schools would close on Wednesday.

The closures result from industrial action all over the country being called by local authority unions.

The action, the first national strike by these unions since 1989, will include hundreds of school support staff like caretakers, cleaners and canteen workers.

Headteachers and governors were allowed to decide whether or not to shut down for the day. But, many now angry parents were only informed of this decision at home time on Friday and say it is simply not enough notice.

Parents have often got complex arrangements for taking and collecting youngsters, built around the working day. And, as the working day can now involve all kinds of shift working and flexitime, this in itself can be difficult at times.

Suddenly arranging childcare can also be a problem, and there are concerns that some children may be left to their own devices for the day.

We hope disruption will be at a minimum. But, if this industrial action is repeated, it would perhaps be more sensible all round if schools alerted parents early so that alternative domestic plans can be put in place.