I am writing in response to media reports that Sir Michael Wilshaw wants disruption to end in schools and colleges.
As a student, the only thing I learned from strict teachers was to abhor strictness. As a teacher, after a period of trying different disciplinary techniques, I chose to be soft. Yes, there was some disruption in my classes. But there was also fun, and learning was not impaired. At the very least, the chief inspector’s demands are certainly not necessary in every instance.
But I would also be writing to object if Ofsted had ordered every teacher to be soft, for how a teacher works is none of the inspectorate’s business. It is for the teacher to decide the best approach.
Anthony Silson, Leeds.