A NORTH Yorkshire school could be forced to shut during the lunch hour because there are not enough dinner ladies to supervise youngsters.

Alne Primary School, near Easingwold, may have to take the extraordinary step after receiving no applications from a recent round of advertising.

Parents are now asking what measures will be put in place to ensure their children's safety if the school gates shut.

Three mid-day supervisory assistants are needed to take care of Alne's 120 pupils.

But following the lack of applications and interest, head teacher Ian Bretherton has advised the governing body that the school will have to close from noon until 1pm from Monday, April 15.

In a letter to parents, Mr Bretherton states: "I am, of course, fully aware of the seriousness of this measure and of its likely consequences for you all, but it is impossible for me to carry out my duty of care to pupils (which overrides all of my other duties) during the lunch break without an adequate level of supervision."

One parent, who did not wish to be named, said: "I believe they are going to make the children go home.

"I am OK because I can make arrangements, but there are other parents who can't."

When asked why the school was unable to find dinner ladies, she added: "Alne is not the cheapest place to live. There are a lot of business people. They just can't find anyone."

A number of parents have volunteered to fill in during the first week back at school after the Easter holidays, from Monday, April 8, but Mr Bretherton said this could only be regarded as a short-term measure.

He added: "This is...in order to give you (parents) more time to make any necessary arrangements for your children.

"It cannot be accepted as a permanent solution."

The chair of governors, Ann Leyburn, said: "It is difficult to get people to do the job.

"I think it is very unlikely that we won't be able to make arrangements and we are desperately making efforts. We will advertise again this week."

Governor Joanne Berry added: "No children will be left to roam the streets if the school is forced to close."

The rate for the job is £4.95 per hour for one hour every day. Anyone interested should contact Alne Primary School on 01347 838427.

Updated: 11:19 Tuesday, March 26, 2002