Children and teachers at Thomas Coram Nursery Centre and School, where the rent is set to rise from £115,000 a year to more than £240,000

• THOMAS Coram must be turning in his grave and the Princess of Wales, our Early Years ambassador, pulling her hair out, while, by rights, the powers that be at the Thomas Coram charity should be hanging their heads in shame at this sorry state of affairs, (Rent hike may close historic nursery, July 20).

Some 57 years ago my husband, our son and I lived in an attic flat near the British Museum. The bath was in the kitchen and our son slept in a corridor. His attendance at St Leonard’s Nursery in Coram Fields not only saved my sanity but was in no small part responsible for creating the caring and confident adult he has become.

At that period the rooms occupied by the nursery were large, bright and airy with full-height glass doors opening onto an expansive outdoor play area with trees and grass, climbing frames, assault nets, a decommissioned milk float, carts to pull, and prams to push around.

Indoors there were easels and paints, sand and water trays, books and toys. Here children learned to share, to listen and be listened to, be brave caring and creative.

At lunchtime the food they were offered, cooked on the premises, was truly delicious – as I was once fortunate enough to witness – and after lunch, watching the little ones asleep on their camp beds each cuddling their favourite soft toy, was a sight I will always treasure.

Now aged 60 our son still fondly remembers St Leonard’s and considers it the best school he ever attended.

Aristotle said: “Give me a child until he is seven and I will show you the man.” I say: “Give every child from three until five a free place at an outstanding nursery and just maybe they won’t be carrying knives at 11.”

MARIAN KAMLISH, NW1