Dear Editor,

HAVING been in the education profession for 34 years and from a white working class background it’s nothing to do with being white or male.

Boys in my school time underachieved. It has always been a problem. There are plenty of empirical studies.

The underfunding and devaluing of the state education system starting in the Thatcher decades and continuing with Tory governments is an issue.

It’s also about lack of respect for education. As it’s free for all, it’s not valued by many parents and therefore their offspring.

Teachers are seen just as a free childminding service by the parents and their offspring know their “rights” and can’t be told.

In my experience, ethnic minority parents are grateful for the service provided and really want their children to learn. They attend parents evenings and support staff if a child misbehaves.

So many parents nowadays expect staff to deal with their offspring’s appalling behaviour but complain and cry victimisation if they do or have the usual he/she has difficulties – too right absolutely no boundaries at home.

Regards

Angela Clark