Nick Walker has written a letter defending the work of teachers and teaching assistants coping with staff shortages.

Parents are right to be ‘up in arms’ about problems with the recruitment and retention of teachers in Oxford’s schools.

However, your recent article ‘Parents up in arms over staffing at Oxford primary school’ implies that anyone who works as a cleaner can’t also be qualified to teach.

This is not only snobbish but is completely incorrect.

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It is increasingly common for key workers to need second or third jobs to supplement their incomes.

The real story underlying your article is the hard work and dedication of the staff at Rose Hill Primary School doing their best for their pupils, while trying to make ends meet in the face of many challenges caused by 13 years of Tory rule, such as low wages, high accommodation costs, and an inconsistent and flawed inspection regime.

‘Bashing’ teaching assistants isn’t the answer to these problems.

Nick Walker

Rose Hill

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

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