TESTING five-year-olds is an obscenity. In the 1950s I entered the teaching profession to teach not test children.

I am disgusted to hear of plans to test fiveyear- olds. So all the fun and excitement of school is to be overshadowed by tests that will worry the parents and anger and frustrate the teachers who want to be teaching and inspiring and encouraging children to enjoy school.

When the National Curriculum and the SATs tests arrrived on the scene infant teachers spent five weeks testing individuals instead of doing the job they were trained for.

They were furious. For heavens sake Mr Gove leave teachers to decide if and when children need to be tested. Headteachers should refuse to carry out this latest idea. If they all refused what could the government do? Sack all the heads?

BRENDA KNOPF, Southampton.