I taught for 17 years in an inner city comprehensive schools.

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.

If bringing up the next generation is important, why aren't they the best qualified, the best paid? Why aren't we as concerned about their career progression as we are about those who work in the education or health services?

What politicians want to create is irreversible change because when you leave office someone changes it back again.

Headteachers and governing bodies run schools and that won't change.

I know there are things I did in education that will never be reversed. I have not done that in film yet because I have only been here for about nine months.

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.