10 JUNE 2006, Page 26

From Col. John Wilson

Sir: Robert Yates makes a proper case for grammar schools. But working-class children will not reach that stage unless they start well. My late wife was an infant teacher for over 30 years and understood the importance of the nursery/reception classes in state first schools. She knew that many of the children at Woodlands First School in Salisbury came from poorly socialised ‘families’. The first task was to create an atmosphere that encouraged good behaviour. Until this was done, formal teaching was useless, even counterproductive. Reception departments should be the first priority, as the dedicated staff at Woodlands School have shown over many years.

John Wilson Salisbury, Wiltshire