FOR many years, education was solely based on the premise that children went to school to learn and teachers went to teach in the subjects they had studied at university or college.

All other aspects of bringing up children, whether it be concerning law and order, good manners or discipline, were the responsibility of the parents.

Sadly, a fragmented society now means that many teachers are taking over as surrogate parents which undoubtedly has an effect on their principal role as teachers.

Successive governments haven’t helped by tampering with the school curriculum on far too many occasions resulting in our education system being in disarray.

Until parents, teachers and the Government can come together our, children will continue to suffer.

D Wearmouth, Shildon