SIR – The fourth paragraph of the letter by Jean Conteh and Dr James Simpson (T&A, December 14) starts off by saying, “It seems to be true…”

The word “seems” is a grey area. What are the facts?

It continues, “…as the success of children from Chinese and Indian backgrounds shows, children who have rich experiences in different languages at home will be more secure in their attainments in school.”

I question this by asking why is it, then, that young children in our nursery schools are unable to speak English?

It is so important that young children at nursery schools are able to communicate in their first language, English.

Councillor Reverend Paul Flowers suggests exposure to different languages is an asset for your child.

Indeed it is, when the child can speak his or her own language first, and English is our native language.

They say that at the University of Leeds they work closely with primary schools in Bradford.

If it’s true that our young children at nursery school cannot communicate in English, then something is very wrong and it needs investigating.

It is possible there could be people in responsible positions who are not fit for purpose.

A Briggs, Hirstwood Road, Bradford