Parents who help out at their children’s schools are being told to stay at home unless they have been vetted by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).

Schools that use parents in classrooms to support overstretched teachers will have to do without these extra members until the CRB’s backlog can deal with their applications. This is not expected to be until after Christmas.

Anyone who has signed up to one of the government’s schemes to encourage employees of local businesses to help in schools or act as role models or mentors will also be affected by this ruling.

Meanwhile Labour MP Debra Shipley has expressed concern that the system is not comprehensive enough. Individuals working with children outside school grounds, such as people running sporting activities or private tutors, are not covered by the legislation. Such individuals are eligible for checks, but are not obliged to have them.

A recent study by Huddersfield University found that 52% of child victims of sexual abuse were abused in community-based organisations such as sports groups and private tuition classes.