THE withering attack on feckless parents by the general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers will earn him support from many quarters.

David Hart is right to make the correlation between upbringing at home and behaviour in the classroom.

There is no doubt that the time and energy spent by teachers in dealing with disruptive pupils can represent a waste of resources.

However, in stating the obvious in such an outspoken way, Mr Hart risks exaggerating the scale of the problem.

Once again the emphasis is on the small minority who cause trouble at school, rather than the vast majority who behave and achieve.

There can be no instant cure for disruptive behaviour caused by poor parenting.

Mr Hart's proposal for a learning contract between parents and schools is not the answer.

Surely, the last thing wanted by head teachers, already claiming to be weighed down by the growing administrative burden of their profession, is a new wave of bureaucracy.

In addition, those parents unwilling or unable to take an interest in their child's education are not going to be turned into reformed characters by putting their names on a piece of paper.

Respect has to be earned. And schools and teachers can not expect to earn the respect of parents through prescriptive legislation.

Perhaps, Mr Hart and his colleagues should concentrate on the correlation between good behaviour and achievement.

By demonstrating the positive benefits education can bring, unruly children may be brought into line, and unsupportive parents may be tempted to take more responsibility.