OUR congratulations, today, go to Clifton upon Teme Primary for being named the nation's Best Village School.

In five short years, it has been transformed into a place with an enviable reputation for preparing its children to advance in life.

None of it would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of a vital handful of staff, a fact that sets our thoughts in motion.

How quickly the day comes round each year when school students across the two counties say goodbye to certain staff for the last time.

We mustn't begrudge them their new lives but, when many teachers are also quitting through disillusionment, it's worth reflecting what we all lose with each departure.

Good teaching has a profound effect on a community for the duration of a pupil's time at school, and for a generation.

Good habits and a positive attitude are skills that form the building blocks of a successful life at home and work. We forget that at our peril - and so does the Government.

The school funding debate remains the greatest single issue, and one which will keep our attention until fair play is brought to bear.

There were mildly encouraging signs, last week, that - with the long run-up to a General Election starting - the penny has dropped in Education Secretary Charles Clarke's mind.

We have to depend upon the fact that it has. Because, if it hasn't, the work of places like Clifton primary - and the life-changing efforts of those who make them tick - will become harder and harder to maintain.

And that would be a disaster.