Nigel de Gruchy of the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers shouldn’t be perplexed by the need for “modernisation of policy”. Wasn’t he at the Trades Union Congress this year when John Monks spoke of the need to drop “the easy habits of opposition and gesturism”?
Since Nigel de Gruchy appears to prefer the soundbite to sound politics, he may find it difficult to appreciate that the Association of Teachers and Lecturers’ policy on class size hasn’t changed, merely its approach to achieving its aim.
He may persevere with failed initiatives (which may not actually be in the interests of his members) but I see little virtue in consistency if you are consistently in the wrong.
JOHN BEATTIE
Senior vice-president Association of Teachers and Lecturers London WC2
