How interesting Donna Elliott (Letters, October 17) should think her three children might come to some harm from a fully-qualified transsexual teacher.

It has been proved children are far more likely to suffer long-term physical and psychological damage from a parent who smokes heavily or drinks at least one bottle of wine a night.

Anyone attempting a career in education or childcare should be aware that child protection and equal opportunities policies are legal requirements of any respectable educational establishment.

As a parent of three children and a highly-qualified childcare practitioner, I would not like to leave my child in the care of a heavy smoker or drinker who has a hangover every morning.

The saying goes: "People in glass houses should not throw stones."

-Leslie Anne-Brennan, Church Street, Brighton