I do recognise that, where recruitment difficulties persist, teachers can be put under great pressure.

However, the Government has made it clear that we do not encourage the recruitment of teachers from developing nations where there may be an adverse effect on the economy.

We do recognise the need to move towards the publication of information showing the progress made by pupils from one stage of their education to another.

There is a shortage of teachers but the January 2001 schools census showed that teacher numbers were at their highest level than at any time since 1984 - and 11,000 higher than 1997.

In the 21st century when few of us stay in the same job all our lives, I would like to think there was flexibility so teachers could become social workers, or foster carers become teachers.

Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.