Lambeth Teacher with Lambeth NUT

Estelle Morris

With references to barge poles and Estelle Morris, we didn't want to make too many inferences, as the connotation of ten foot barge poles is often used in a sexist context. However, Lambeth Teacher finds her remarks offensive, ignorant and above all hardly the sort of comment to assist with the shortage of teachers in London.

We publish Secretary Doug McAvoy's comments on the matter.

No doubt an observant Oxbridge graduate will point out that barge poles as such are not used on punts on the Isis or Cam. We know, we just had to illustrate the point.

Doug McAvoy's response

Education Secretary's "wouldn't touch it with a bargepole" statement Doug McAvoy NUT General Secretary said:

This is an outrageous statement which ill becomes the Secretary of State for Education.

Our teachers devote their energies to doing the utmost for their pupils. There will be many wondering whether they are in a school the Education Secretary wouldn't touch with a bargepole. Her statement will leave many of them asking if she would not teach here, why should they.

She has opened the door to speculation on the reasons why she would refuse to teach in certain schools. She should identify those factors.

Her statement is demoralising and ignores the efforts made by our teachers, many of whom work in extremely difficult circumstances.