The government is planning sweeping reforms of Britain's education system which would see all primary schools open between 8.00am and 6.00pm.

A senior government source told the Mirror: "This is real legacy stuff. Primary schools will be open between 8am and 6pm so parents can drop off their children to a designated teacher before travelling to work.

"The new opening hours mean the parent has enough time to put in a nine to five day. The scheme will cost almost £3 billion a year and will be subsidised by parents who can afford it. Less well-off mums and dads will have little to pay.

"Most importantly, it must pass the 'Guildford test', where a mum can drop off her children for all-day, affordable childcare before travelling to London for a full day's work."