I would argue that it was not the mark of a profession to have 1,265 hours minimum per annum slapped on it by the Tories with huge aspects of the job - not least planning, marking and report writing - left unquantifiable. That still pertains though some of us have ignored it as unprofessional and worked with colleagues on the basis of trust and mutual respect - and have been amply rewarded.

The groundswell to seek a maxium working week is based on the profession having no trust in a government driving through its agenda with scant regard for the well-being of those charged with its implementation.

The quicker this Government, which has done so much for schools, begins to demonstrate a genuine regard for its teachers through trust rather than a hoop-jumping culture and apparent obliviousness to workload, the quicker the profession will move away from the protective blanket of a 35-hour week.

Roy Cook

Head, Littletown primary

Honiton Bottom Road

Honiton, Devon