We must keep this right as it is often the only way to avoid exclusion. Going home over lunchtime means the other children are safe from physical assault, the midday supervisors are allowed to do their job without verbal abuse and I, as head, might be able to sit down for five minutes before returning to teach for 50 per cent of the week.

In my opinion, it does not “exacerbate the problem” but can be a way to allow a child with emotional and behavioural difficulties to have a “good” morning and a reasonable afternoon without the very difficult lunch-time session “exacerbating” the problems of these troubled children.

I think most headteachers have already exhausted every other strategy. It is insulting to suggest we use it for our convenience.

Name and address supplied