A serious problem

CHARLOTTE Richardson's exclusive front-page article 'Exam penalty for unruly kids?' has certainly highlighted a serious problem, not only in our community, but also in our schools.I was head of a special centre for children with problems, a youth leader, and chairman of an exam group, so feel I have the experience to comment. Most children are great!However, some are unruly on our streets, and some are so disruptive in school that the education of the majority is seriously affected. Whose fault is it?Children today must be extremely confused. Adults, parents and politicians are supposed to create a happy, safe and orderly community for them. We have failed them. Children who have lost respect for society, and their teachers, really don't care that much about exams. Parents should be made to take more responsibility.Disruptive pupils should be excluded, and made to attend a local, special centre that would cater for a range of problems.It would also be cost-effective. For example, it costs over £156,000 to send just one badly behaved child to Cotswold Chine, and the last set of figures I had showed a similar expenditure of over £1million for severe learning difficulties.JOHN CARTER - New Approach Party, Addicott Road, Weston