Vetting crisis hits more schools

More schools face chaos today as delays over police checks continue to dog the start of the new school term.

Schools across the capital returning today are facing the same difficulties as those where term began yesterday, as the new Criminal Records Bureau struggles to complete checks on new staff.

At least 5,000 checks remained to be completed, making it inevitable that for many children, the start of term will be delayed, possibly until the beginning of next week.

Other schools working normally will only be doing so because head teachers have decided to defy strict government guidance and allow unchecked staff to work with children, providing that they are supervised.

Elsewhere, local authorities are drafting in supply teachers and even calling staff off holidays and out of retirement.

Local authority leaders are warning that the chaos could continue after the existing backlog has been dealt with, as new staff recruited during the school term will, in their turn, require police checks.

Graham Lane, of the Local Government Association, said the chaos could last until Christmas.