EDUCATION bosses in Lancashire could be forced into a policy U-turn following a row with the government over criminal checks on supply teachers.

The government has threatened to shame the county council into changing its policy and has set the authority a deadline until the end of the month.

Lancashire County Council decided in November 1994 not to carry out police checks for agencies who deal with supply teachers.

The council claims it has its own supply register and does not want to deal with agencies which offer low rates of pay.

The decision followed talks with teacher unions and problems with delays on police checks.

Lancashire's chief education officer Chris Trinick wrote to the Department of Education to defend the council.

He argued it was not likely to use agencies so there was little point in carrying out checks. Staff shortages at the County Hall and Lancashire police force have added to the problem of delays on checks. There are also fears about the rising cost of the system.

But education officials are urging councillors to change the policy follow threats from the Department of Education.

Melvyn Barker, a Department of Education official, has written to the council on the issue.

He said: "The Minister of State considers these checks essential to protect children.

"He is seeking by January 28 an unequivocal assurance from all authorities that do not currently arrange checks for employment agencies that they will be prepared to do so in the future.

"The minister intends to publish a list of authorities which have not given that assurance at the end of January."

The change of policy will be discussed at an education committee on Tuesday.

Blackburn with Darwen Council, due to become a unitary authority in April, has pledged to do all in its power to protect children.

Coun Bill Taylor, chairman of education and training, said: "We will implement to at least the minimum standard to protect the vulnerable from unsavoury or risky elements within our communities. This is in all of our interests."

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