From Donald McGregor.
Two articles in your newspaper of late have highlighted these problems in our education system.

First, the examination results. Sadly, as so often happens, information is not fully explained or explored before people put pen to paper. If you want to talk or write knowledgably and authentically about educational matters, request a meeting with those responsible for education in all Jersey schools.

The fact is that the teachers in the Jersey schools do, and have done, a very fine job with the children presented to them.

Second, the problems of truancy. The problem of some parents’ ‘holiday not coinciding with school holiday times’ has been around for ever.

That being so why does the tax payer have to pay many thousands of pounds more to employ truancy officers in each secondary school? Then add to those staffing increases the social workers recruited by Mrs Cochrane, senior education welfare officer.

The Minister for Education, the assistant Minister for Education, the Director of Education, and several assistants to the Director, have much to answer for.
Who decides the need for this top-heavy non-teaching staffing? Where does the salary and pension fund finance come from?

I presume the minister, assistant minister, director, the assistant to the director and their senior civil servants visit the Jersey schools reasonably regularly? They never did in my time – 20years, as headmaster of Le Rocquier School. If they do visit then they must have a sound knowledge of why they employ so many non-teaching staff.

How empires are created! Fortunately, they usually destroy themselves through greed.