Letters

My attention was caught by the Economic and Social Research Council-funded study, into the effect of ethnic composition in schools on children's attitudes towards other ethnic groups (www.cypnow.co.uk, 24 July 2008).

The research validated what many already feel: exposure to greater ethnic diversity in school has a positive impact on the self-esteem of all groups and on the development of fruitful peer relationships. There is an urgent need for young people across the world to become more multinational as populations in countries such as India and China continue to grow so rapidly - changing the face of the developed world and increasing international competition.

Our research shows membership of a virtual, international learning community can create positive change among students in predominantly white, middle-class locations, helping to overcome traditional distance barriers and creating truly global citizens.

Henry Warren, chief executive, Gemini-i and online learning community Rafi.ki

- Parents need to be at home

I was interested to read your story on parents being forced back into work once their child reaches seven (www.cypnow.co.uk, 22 July 2008).

Any parent who actively cares for the physical needs of their child needs to be at home as a parent. The lack of government understanding of this strange concept is the main reason why so many youngsters run amok.

If sensible arrangements are made to encourage mothers of younger children back into education as soon as their children go to school they would be in a position to also be an adequate parent. If the parent then needs to go to work when their child reaches seven, they would be better educated to hold down a job.

"School leaving age" is quite soon enough to insist parents return to full-time working. The end result of all this extra education and satisfying work will be a generation of adults who are emotionally literate enough to be responsible. And the generation after that would be so much better placed to be adequate parents.

Charlotte Peters-Rock, Knutsford

- Free school meals for all

Trade unions have asked the government to make free school meals available to all primary school pupils. Where free school meals for all have been tried, they are a great success. Children who sit down every day to a good-quality meal together are healthier, happier, and learn and socialise better.

This would be good news for all children, especially low-income families, who would save £300 per child on the costs of paying for lunches. The current national approach of limited targeting to the poorest has failed to reach all the children who need it. Free meals for all would leave no child behind and no child too hungry to learn.

Paul Dornan, head of policy, Child Poverty Action Group

- The editor, Children & Young People Now, 174 Hammersmith Road, London W6 7JP

Letters should include an address and phone number. All letters may be edited for publication.

cypnow@haymarket.com, 020 8267 4706.