OH dear Mr Clews - you haven't a clue (July 28). Allan Clews describes his views of his three children's local primary school but I cannot believe it is the inspirational institution with a group of dedicated teachers known to many of us.

On the teachers part he substitutes the word holiday as "reprieve", job as "ring of hell", lively under 11s full of potential as "fidgety, sullen, ill-tempered, ungrateful beasts", annual progress as "same long hill" or "prison sentence".

As far as thankless pupils buying unwanted gifts, my friend's 11-year-old daughter, who leaves her much-loved school this year, contributed to a collection by her peers to buy their teacher a CD, which was thoughtfully chosen and no doubt received with genuine joy.

She also collected a lovely autograph book full of friends' and teachers' messages to remind her of her happy times at school. It certainly did not reflect any kind of "gleeful bolting" out of the school gates.

I take objection to being grouped in with the dispirited parents. I look forward to the holiday with my two boys, who benefit a great deal from the ethos and dedication of the school and staff in our local primary. Think again Mr Clews. You often describe your house husband days as dreary and full of angst. Enjoy this summer - your kids are lucky to have a fantastic York primary school. It would be nice to teach them some appreciation of their situation and not let them be one of the "thankless students" you describe.

Helen R McCusker,

Crosslands Road,

Fulford, York.