STAGGERED start times at schools could have negative knock-on effects, Worcestershire's education chief has warned.

The county council's cabinet member for education, Councillor June Longmuir, said yesterday that she was waiting for a trial scheme to be completed before offering firm advice to headteachers. But she dismissed the idea that the changes could only be beneficial.

"Schools are not closed communities - they are involved directly with parental commitments as well as there own," said Coun Longmuir.

In September, the Government announced that it aimed to give LEAs the chance to set hours.