AHigh S the parents of past and present pupils of St Bede's School, Blackburn, my wife and I are moved to write in connection with the LT report regarding Ryan Callaghan who had his head shaved and was subsequently removed from school by his father.

Firstly, the Retreat is not just, as you state, where disruptive and badly behaved pupils are taught'.

The Retreat is a facility within the school which affords teaching opportunities for pupils for a variety of reasons, including special educational needs and physical incapacities.

It is to the credit of the school that one of my children was able to avail themselves of the Retreat facilities.

We therefore find your description of the Retreat and the remarks of Mr Callaghan (the parent) as ill-informed and offensive.

Secondly, whilst acknowledging Ryan's charitable intentions, the school policy on dress and uniform is clear and consistent.

If Ryan's father is not aware of the policy (which I doubt) he need only read Ryan's school diary for clarification.

A simple telephone call to school prior to having the haircut would also have clarified the position.

Thirdly, why, if Ryan loves school so much, did his father choose to take him out?

It would appear that the only loser here is Ryan.

In a society which lays blame for poor and disruptive behaviour by young people at the door of schools and teachers, I find it disappointing that Ryan's father should seek to confound the efforts of staff at St Bede's to instil a degree of discipline and personal responsibility in pupils.

Finally, if Ryan's father does not feel able to comply with the school rules or with Ryan associating with those sort of pupils' I suggest he find a school where his lack of personal responsibility might be better suited.

Name and address supplied.