In his interview with The TES, Ed Balls, Schools Secretary, asked, somewhat dismissively, “Who do you find saying the solution to our society’s challenges is less community, less co-operation and less regulation?” (“Balls’ tour of duty bangs the drum of election belief”, December 4).

The answer to the third of these will no doubt be found in this week’s TES. Seven of the heads’ associations are calling for a fundamental review of current vetting and barring arrangements - which represent just the tip of the titanic regulatory iceberg created by this government.

Geoff Lucas, Secretary, The Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference.