Hundreds of school staff in Leicestershire could be turned away from school on Thursday because they have not been vetted by police.

The Department for Education and Skills contacted local councils in the county telling them not to allow staff who have yet to be vetted, into schools.

There was a backlog of more than 700 staff still needing security checks on Wednesday meaning many could be turned away at the school gates.

It was revealed last week the government agency carrying out the checks was struggling to meet demand.

Secret dossiers

Schools in Leicestershire are among the first to be affected by the backlogs as schools go back earlier in the county.

Teachers and other adults who work in schools have to undergo a double clearance before they can work with or near children.

Their names must be checked against List 99, the confidential dossier of people deemed unsuitable to work with children, including those convicted or suspected of child abuse.

I think it is very sad for the children really

Jane Hanson, teacher

They must also have checks on police records, a process that can take more time as staff may have worked in several different police force areas.

The Criminals Records Bureau, a Home Office agency, was set up to provide a speedy "one-stop-shop" to deal with both List 99 and criminal record checks.

But last week it was revealed the agency was struggling to carry out checks in time for the beginning of school term and staff worked throughout the bank holiday weekend.

Jane Hanson, a teacher in Leicestershire is unlikely to be able to start at her new school on Thursday, even though she has been a teacher for more than 30 years.

"I think it is very sad for the children really.

"They are waiting for their new form teacher. We will both be quite sad it cannot happen," she said.