PARENTS are set to be charged for dropping their children off early at council-run breakfast clubs.

Currently the breakfast club at Wrexham’s primary schools is free for pupils to attend.

However, Wrexham Council is planning to introduce a £1 daily fee for childcare in a bid to raise up to £158,000 over the next two years.

The charge would only apply for youngsters brought in during the first half hour of the scheme, which runs for an hour before the official start of the school day.

Meanwhile, those from families on low incomes would be exempt.

Cllr Terry Evans, lead member for economy, said the measure had been broadly supported by parents during a consultation.

He said: “The option of charging for the first half hour of the breakfast clubs saw a range of responses from the public.

“Some people pointed out that low-income families should be exempt, which is why the charge will not apply to pupils on free school meals.

“Some responses also noted that the charge of £1 was a reasonable one, and should be introduced.

“There was general agreement for the proposed charges – and it’s assumed that this service will predominantly be taken up by parents who are in employment as it will allow them more flexibility with their work patterns and also allow them to extend their working hours.”

Breakfast club is currently run free of charge at 50 primary schools in the county and costs the authority £636,000.

In order for their children to attend the service in future, parents will now have to pay in advance.

The authority said this can either be done online or by paying in cash to catering staff.

Although youngsters receiving free school meals are exempt from the charge, they will still need to book in advance.