I note from your article “Blunkett will close failing schools” (TES, May 1) that “ministers will move on schools that have been failing for two years”. And from your interview with David Blunkett, that “Labour’s first year in power” has “depressed teachers further”. These two statements show the reason for the gap between Government optimism and teacher morale.
Ministers and Government advisers still appear not to comprehend the realities of the classroom. All teachers want to do their best for their pupils. Until Government language and practice reflects this understanding the gap will remain.
Doug McAvoy General secretary National Union of Teachers Hamilton House London WC1
