I was amused to read your report on the seminar set up to encourage new recruits into the teaching profession ( 'Massive response to teaching seminars' Times, Jan 17). I have been a teacher in London for more than 20 years and have watched as government initiative after government initiative regardless of their political persuasion has made education increasingly unattractive.

When I started in the profession, my job was very simple. I taught to the best of my ability. We encouraged students to think independently, fostered their enthusiams and provided sufficient time in the week for sports and arts.

Now, following the introduction of the National Curriculum and Ofsted, we factory farm exam fodder.

I suspect that many of the potential recruits who attended the seminar will be a little disillusioned after a year or two at the 'chalkface'.

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