A P Cox is perfectly correct in stating that discipline should be an important part of anyone’s early training (Letters, April 17), but this should not be left to teachers; children have mothers who should have taught this to their children long before they go to school.

Sadly, this is often not the case and small children arrive at school for the first time without basic toilet training, let alone any form of discipline.

It is about time that the real culprits were called to account: the mothers of these unfortunate children who fail so miserably in their duty to prepare their children to face life.

Teachers should not have to be responsible for preparing children in the basics; they have more than enough to do starting the long and difficult task of learning without being expected to do the mother’s job as well.

Heather Causnett, Escrick Park Gardens, Escrick, York.