Probe into vetting chaos at schools

Ministers today ordered an investigation into why the Criminal Records Bureau failed to vet school staff in time for the start of term.

Three troubleshooters will be sent in to find out what went wrong at the privatised agency. The delays led to chaos at schools across England and forced Education Secretary Estelle Morris into an embarrassing U-turn.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said the review would not be an "inquest" into past mistakes, but a look at what must be done to get the bureau working properly.

Thousands of pupils were sent home on the first day of term because teachers and teaching assistants had not yet been vetted. Then Ms Morris backed down and allowed the unvetted staff into classrooms.

The Home Office said businessman Patrick Carter would head the investigation, helped by former Companies House chief executive John Holden and Whitehall computer expert Ron Skelly.