EDUCATION chiefs in Worcestershire have promised that schools will not be disrupted this term, despite a backlog of security checks on hundreds of new staff.

Schools return early next week, but they face being without support staff, including teaching assistants, caretakers and cleaners.

The national Criminal Records Bureau took responsibility for carrying out checks on people working with children over from the county council this year.

But, at the start of the summer, there were 400 new appointments waiting to be cleared.

Director of education Julien Kramer was confident 100 teachers would be cleared in time for term.

"We won't be putting children at risk, and we won't be disrupting their education," said Mr Kramer.

"I'm anxious about trusting an unproven agency, so we've run copy checks as belt and braces."

The bureau aimed to clear checks within three weeks of application, but the wait is averaging six weeks.

Mr Kramer claimed some applications had been waiting for three months.

Schools who have not received clearance in time for the new year will use teachers from supply lists.

"What's happened in London and Leicestershire, where children have been sent home, will not happen here," said Mr Kramer.

"We expect our schools to run reasonably smoothly, but we won't see a clear picture until next week.

"However, I must reiterate that the welfare of children is our priority and we're fully prepared to work around inconveniences in order to keep our children safe."