I was interested to read “Call for more teachers in nurseries” (11 May) and noted the children’s minister’s response in particular. Despite Aileen Campbell’s insistence that access to a nursery teacher has improved, there remains significant regional disparity. In Moray, half of pre-school children still do not have access to a pre-school teacher, while in Stirling the figure is 60 per cent. Given the 2007 commitment to deliver access to a qualified nursery teacher for every nursery-age child, ministers must work with local authorities to support the training and recruitment of more qualified teachers to guide children through the vital early years.

Liam McArthur MSP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for education, Scottish Parliament.