WHY is it that Mr J Turner wants his children to be educated in school for 48 weeks a year? Is it that his head is so firmly fixed in the sand that he can't see what's going on in the world around him with a more positive attitude?

In response to his comment about being at his work bench for an hour when the clock strikes 8.30am. If he really knows the facts then he would know that I and many other teachers are in my school, and other schools, at 8am (the Headteacher at my school is in daily at between 7am and 7.30am). Prior to this, I have already been up for two hours preparing for the day, and have a family to look after. This continues from the previous evening of marking, form filling, lesson preparation and planning. Rarely do we have an evening when everything has been completed before 9pm.

All thisafter a full day of teaching, with only a 15-minute slot to eat lunch, which is always eaten on the go!

I and many others take great offence to the comments made by Mr J Turner, and would invite him to come to school to put his ridiculous comments forward for a "discussion".

Maybe he will have time to complete his crossword when he has his full hour for lunch every day, or when he gets home without having to bring any work home with him because it is all at his work bench! Maybe he can then sit down and watch the TV to talk about it in the morning before he completes his crossword at his work bench!

In response to his comment about finishing at 3.30pm - how little you know, Mr Turner.

No teacher at my school finishes at 3.30pm. School does not finish when the children go home, it continues until 5.30pm and even later, and continues at home. We work hard for our posh cars, Mr J Turner, and if you choose to drive a dilapidated old wreck of a car - that is your choice.

We don't "turn out illiterate, innumerate yobbos", we simply continue the learning process, we are the secondary teachers, you as parents are the primary teachers, and it is obvious that Mr Turner may be one of those parents who blame school for the fact that parents split up, that children take drugs, that children watch inappropriate TV - or are we responsible for your children for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year? NO, WE ARE NOT!

Mr Turner's accusations were grossly unfair. Go to one of the many schools dedicated to children with profound disabilities, Mr Turner, and be enlightened by what you will see - dedicated staff and parents who work longer hours.

Well done, teachers, support staff and children! Keep it up and be proud of what you do. Enjoy your holidays - you deserve it!

(Name and address supplied)