YORK schools are allowing unvetted teachers to work with pupils, in the face of Government advice.

Six teachers in the city, mostly at secondary and sixth-form schools, are awaiting clearance from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).

But they have been allowed to work under close supervision from teaching assistants.

The Department for Education and Skills told Local Education Authorities: "We do not advise that people should be allowed to work unchecked, even if they are supervised."

But City of York Council's education director has decided to go against the official guidance - which he describes as "the wrong advice" - because he believes it puts children at greater risk.

Patrick Scott said he could not risk school closures or disrupted classes because it would force children out of school and possibly on to the streets, where they would be at greater risk of harm.

Those six teachers will be allowed to teach, at head teachers' discretion, as long as they are supervised in the classroom.

In addition, there are about 20 teachers who are awaiting up-to-date CRB clearance but have been previously checked or have experience in schools in other authorities. These teachers will be allowed to teach unsupervised.

Mr Scott said most of those awaiting checks in York were experienced teachers who had returned after a break in service.

He said: "We think that the department, in this instance, is giving the wrong advice.

"The risk is very small, and teachers who have not yet been checked would be supervised."

Huntington School, which started its term on Monday, has one teacher awaiting updated checks who is able to work unsupervised.

Headteacher Chris Bridge said: "This teacher has been checked before and has experience in another school, with references.

"This is in the best interests of the children, it's the least dangerous option.

"I haven't been CRB checked myself. I was probably checked when I came to this school five years ago, but without that it could have been 32 years."

The school term began on Monday, although most schools had one or two inset days.

Mr Scott said the schools involved, which he declined to name, had three options:

- Unchecked teachers could be supervised by teaching assistants while teaching

- Classes could be covered by checked supply teachers

- Gaps in the timetable could be covered by existing staff.

In the last two options, unchecked teachers would carry out alternative work out of the classroom.

Other LEAs across the UK are also going against the Government's advice.

Mr Scott said checks were expected to be completed within a few days.

Updated: 14:52 Wednesday, September 04, 2002