Martyn Oates The Politics Show South West

click here to view the Politics Show South West

Torbay is a popular language school location

Students from across the world come to Torbay to learn English, one of the most popular language destinations in the country.

The vetting of people who look after vulnerable youngsters has never been so rigorous.

So it may come as a bit of a shock to know that foreign students, some as young as seven, can stay in this country while learning English at homes where the host families have not been subjected to any kind of vetting process.

It is a loophole in the law which the Government is at last getting to grips with.

But not before a couple of shocking incidents in Torbay which could have had disastrous consequences.

Torbay is a favourite location for foreign students wanting to improve their English.

They learn the language at one of a dozen schools in the resort, while staying with host families nearby.

There were 160 incidents involving foreign students which came to the attention of Torbay police last year, anything from name-calling to theft and assault.

Initiatives to tackle the problem are already achieving results, but the vetting loophole is the big worry.

There are nearly 400 language schools in this country signed up with English UK which insists on a range of standards from classroom sizes through to security checks on host families.

But another 600 schools across the country are unregulated.

Accreditation does give students the kind of reassurance they need.

The main factor inhibiting further expansion of Torbay's language schools is a lack of host families.

And there are concerns that tighter and potentially more costly regulations will not help.

But the accredited language schools know the industry will suffer if there are serious incidents.

Compulsory accreditation is still at least two years away. Until then foreign students in this country will continue to be at risk.

We requested an interview with the Children's Minister Maria Eagle, however she was unavailable.

Her department issued the following statement: "Language schools and other employers should carry out necessary background checks, including seeking CRB disclosures, for individuals who care for international students in host accommodation.

"The Government has introduced the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Bill, bringing fundamental reform and proposals for the first centralised vetting and barring system for all those working with children and vulnerable adults."

Politics Show

The Politics Show wants to hear from you.

Let us know what you think.

Join Sophie Long and Chris Rogers for The Politics Show on BBC One on Sunday 07 May 2006 at 12.00pm.

Disclaimer: The BBC may edit your comments and cannot guarantee that all emails will be published.