IN general, we can't blame the teaching profession for the high level of poor performance in many pupils. The cause lies fairly and squarely with the food that goes into their mouths.

Not only does poor nutrition render their brains unable to function in an optimum manner where learning is concerned, but it adversely affects behaviour, making it more difficult for well-nourished pupils to progress because teachers have to concern themselves with the disruptive behaviour of the malnourished.

We live in a 'convenience society' - convenience food, convenience snacks and instead of sitting down to three daily meals constructed of locally-grown wholefoods, much consists of fast foods, ready-made foods made from refined white flour, salt, sweeteners and dangerous fats and a multitude of 'E' numbers.

Apart from learning difficulties, although this regime doesn't knock us on the head overnight, the longer term prospects are dismal.

What is also extremely important is that a healthy body and brain doesn't crave drugs.

Dennis Nightingale- Smith, Hanley Swan.