BARRY VAUGHAN of West Alvington, writes: The continuing cold spell is revealing unsatisfactory understanding about suitable ­clothing matched to air temperatures that pole dance around the zero mark, revealing that a few schoolchildren are not being backed up to ensure they are cosily safeguarded against the ailments cold brings to ­various exposed sections of the body. The snag is that no part of modern schoolwear these days has any insulating medium woven in or is by nature 'warm' – from the canvas trainers, or plimsolls, to the modern absence of a cap, the child is clothed for politically correct looks in man-made industrial fibres, all of which are of a non-heat-retaining nature. While these are perfectly okay for summer use, a few children – boys – have been seen underdressed in that mode, without even a jersey over their non-­cotton pink-striped shirts. Schoolchildren are the most exposed to cold or wet weather in the morning as they wait for the school bus; adults are all in heated cars or vans going to work. The weather can change in a few hours from just about ­bearable to dangerous. Surely part of the lesson of life is to know when the correct clothing needs to be donned for a ­journey or task – failure to do so could contribute to an ­accident to others through a slowed perception of safety. The previous generations of children never had to endure what is worthy of a tag of ­criminal general neglect. We were always sent out well wrapped-up from head to toe in a cap, raincoat, scarf, ­mittens, jersey or cardigan in warm worsted trousers and in rainproof, easy-clean shoes over woollen socks. We had 'suits of armour' fit to tackle any hazard – snowball fights, huge snow drifts, icy slides or sledging and through northeast winds carrying snow. With the 'healthy eating brigade' consistently cutting down enriching foods and sugar that provides internal heat, I implore responsible ­people at the beginning and end of the school run to ­mention a few friendly words to the effect of making sure children are dressed well for winter travel. Human beings are not happy and do not work or learn well when cold.