MY seven year old son was delighted at his bonus day off school, as his teacher was on strike. I fully support the teachers who felt they had to take action but I am left wondering why it was necessary in the first place.

Firstly, when I take my child to the doctor, I want that doctor to be qualified. When I take him to school, I want the teacher to be qualified. I am horrified to learn that headteachers can now hire unqualified teachers. Common sense suggests this will not raise standards and this has indeed been the case at the ‘dysfunctional’ Al-Madinah school.

Secondly, I want my child’s teacher to be enthusiastic, well motivated and inspiring – not burdened by bureaucracy, exhausted, and looking for a way out of the profession. Again, common sense says that pay and conditions have a vital role here. We need to attract and keep great teachers for our children.

Finally, common sense suggests that the unions and the government need to talk to each other so our children don’t get caught in the middle. The strike in Wales was called off because the minister for education there met and discussed the issues. Come on Westminster! Do the same for our children in England.

In the meantime, my thanks go out the fantastic school and staff in Southbourne where my child is currently flourishing.

A HAPPY MUM

name and address supplied

Southbourne