MY deepest sympathy to Joshua Massey-Hodgkinson's mum, friends and relatives. I hope you seek justice in what you are campaigning for.

As a full-time mum and qualified nursery nurse myself I believe the minimum qualification to become a childminder should be a nursery nurse.

I have studied the course myself and I am able to verify there are numerous topics which are covered in-depth such as

l Child psychology

l National curriculum

l Play

l Child Protection Act and many more.

A childminder requires in-depth knowledge on these topics otherwise, unfortunately, tragedies will, I believe, continue to take place.

Even at schools, nowadays, instead of nursery nurse posts being advertised special support assistants are appointed.

Why you may wonder? The reason is because a SSA's salary is half the amount of a nursery nurse.

You are only required to have GCSEs in order to become a SSA. It is a disgrace!

I am aware of one person who has come from abroad, completed her SSA course and is now employed by a primary school.

Her English is good but not satisfactory in my eyes to teach our children!

Obviously at some point or another she will be left alone with children.

The point that has come to my attention is that to save money, our children do not receive 100 per cent education.

The law is in the process of allowing support staff to take classes when the teacher is absent due to illness or training purposes.

Which support staff has my child been with today and what exactly have they learned? That is the question I will be asking myself.

I am certain many parents will be concerned in future.

How long will it take before the government realises the main problem of poor education is at the roots -- the staff!

(Name and address supplied).