Penstemmon I think the great majority of posters on Gransnet feel that most teachers do a good job in often very difficult circumstances.
I can understand why current and former teachers may feel sensitive about any criticism of a school's practices. They are constantly being pilloried by press and TV journalists, many of whom wouldn't have the first clue how to maintain the interest, discipline and respect of a classroom full of young people.
That said, I think there is such a thing as hyper-sensitivity and just because a poster expresses concern about a particular policy in a particular school it does not imply disrespect for the teaching profession. Surely it is right that any profession should be willing to examine its practices and, if they are then thought to be unfair or damaging, to change them?
My feeling is that toilets should never be locked and if there are problems with bullying, skiving or general indiscipline, they should be addressed in other ways. It is surely not beyond the wit of a capable head teacher and her team to deal with this matter without risking the embarrassment and humiliation of some pupils?