Beginning to Bite (Paperback)

The staff party with its way-out Strip-o-Gram, a visit from the Inspectorate and the performance of 'A Christmas Carol' by the Special Needs class are vivid events in the lives of two young teachers in the traumatic Christmas term of 1981. Thatcher's education cuts are just 'beginning to bite' their Midlands comprehensive school, but Helen, Jeff (and the randy Viv) still poke fun at the senior staff involved. The carefully crafted briefings of the Headteacher 'Nose-Clean' Dean, and the patronising sponsorship of the school by Tartath Industries are among their targets. Against a background of deepening recession, the disappearance of a vulnerable pupil brings Helen and Jeff together.