MUCH has been written and said about education. In Southampton there continues to be endless argument about what type of schools the city should have - and the heated discussions are likely to continue.

What is fundamental is the quality of primary school education. Sadly, on present performance, it lacks in-depth perception of just what junior school pupils require, that is teacher's attention, attention and attention.

An infant pupil, from the first day at school, needs to be assured of a one-to-one relationship with the teacher. Easier said than done, some would say. In reality, it could be very much different.

With a class size of say 20 young pupils, just how many teachers would know the colour of each pupil's eyes? It is a fact that eyes, whatever their colour, act as both mirror and message transmitters. Quickly, from day one of pupils settling into the classroom, a teacher should be able to recall the colour of each pupil's eyes. When speaking to the pupil, the teacher should look directly into their eyes.

Hopefully, the pupil will likewise respond and look directly into the teacher's eyes when asked a question. A shifting or twitch of the pupil's eyes will tell the teacher of the unease of the pupil to the question.

Remedial action, taken by the teacher, on a pupil by pupil basis, will quickly turn the classroom into a hive of activity.

KIM ROSE, Southampton.