I have received various comments about my proposals for a minimum age of 30 for people to become teachers (ViewPoints, April 27).

Many were favourable but I did receive minor criticism from parents of a number of young teachers, understandably supporting their children’s teaching abilities.

I accept that some straight-from-college teachers may be good but, generally, things would be much improved if teachers had several years’ working experience elsewhere, otherwise you risk the blind leading the blind.

I’ve witnessed poor teaching theory and practice in action, both at school in the 1960s and since. I’ve witnessed applicants, including university graduates, arriving for job interviews with supposedly excellent grades, who were only fair to downright inept in basic English and maths skills, and lacking in common sense.

Time equals money and if businesses have to teach staff these basics, they’ll collapse under the weight of overseas competition.

MICHAEL HEAVEY Oxford Road Old Marston