Relief for teacher stress

I was surprised to read (Limits eased on foreign teachers, January 20) that Ofsted, the school inspection service, had failed the Heber primary school in Dulwich because of staff shortages. As the stress of Ofsted inspections is one of the major reasons why teachers are leaving the profession, it is rather cheeky of them to complain about the resulting staff shortages. A solution might be to allow inspectors to take up the vacancies in schools. Not only would it give inspectors an opportunity to get back to the job, but other teachers could only be uplifted by watching experts at work.
Frank Randall

frankmargaret69@netscapeonline.co.uk

I am not certain what Lord Puttnam means when he states that the Teaching Awards raise the profile of teaching as a whole (Teaching awards diversity plea, January 22). How many teachers, parents or members of the public could name any of the past winners, or indeed how many ceremonies there have been?

As a teacher, I have not yet met one colleague who has shown any interest in the awards. They are far more concerned with improving day-to-day conditions and reducing Kafkaesque bureaucracy, as well as wanting their salaries brought in line with other professions. Teaching awards do not buy a decent property in London, nor will they prevent the mass exodus of teachers from London schools. Teachers need action, not little awards on the mantelpiece.
Paul Haywood
London

At one time, saying I was a teacher brought forth weak jokes about endless holidays and short working hours. Today, it elicits a mixture of pity and amazed admiration. This is an unduly negative perception of what can still at times be a rewarding and worthwhile job, but it has its basis in truth. Couple this with poor remuneration and myriad graduate opportunities elsewhere, and the problems the government face are inevitable. Until this is grasped, the crisis will continue.
Paul Walker
London
P.J.Walker@tesco.net

Nottingham