WE are writing to express our concern and utter disbelief concerning the article about compulsory eating of apples at break times at Pinehurst Junior School.

I agree this is an infringement of the Children's Human Rights Act, and freedom of choice, and also the 1996 Education Act which states that "in exercising or performing all their respective powers and duties under the Education Acts, the Secretary of State, local education authorities and the funding authorities shall have regard to the general principle that pupils are to be educated in accordance with the wishes of their parents, so far as that is compatible with the provision of efficient instruction and training and the avoidance of unreasonable public expenditure."

There appears to have been no consultation or even a democratic vote on this subject.

It appears that the headteacher, Mr Hobbs, is imposing his will on a vulnerable majority, and is leaving himself open for further discord among the children and parents.

Let's hope that before he imposes his will on the children next time, he takes the time to find out what the children want to eat and drink.

He states that he wants to make things healthier for children, but instead he is making the children unhappy. In our day, the pupil gave the teacher the apple, not the other way round.

We feel Mr Hobbs should take more note of his peers and ask the parents and children for their views on any changes to the children's diet.

It's the parents who know what their children will or will not eat and drink.

(Mr and Mrs) Hedges

The Circle

Pinehurst

Swindon