Sir - The interview with Jane Tomlinson on the front page (February 1) was most encouraging. However, I note that, in Slough, Ms Tomlinson was director of edcation, whereas here she is also responsible for young children and families. Since the war, Oxfordshire has enjoyed outstanding directors of education, such as Alan Chorlton, John Dorrell and Tim Brighouse, each of whom was able to concentrate his philosophy and inspiration exclusively to education.

It is possible that any perceived diminution of schools' success may be to a trebled pattern of the director's responsiblities. Whilst there may be some theoretical logic to grouping education, young children and families, in practical terms perhaps it is not working to education's advantage.

Martin Sheldon, Oxford