A TEACHERS' union leader has criticised the Government for ignoring warnings that new security checks would mean a shortage of staff for the start of the school term.

President of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, Roger Wells, had expressed concerns about the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) as it was being set-up.

He and fellow members of ATL warned the Government from April onwards that the thousands of security checks on new teachers would not be completed in time.

Bolton's schools could be as short by as many as 250 staff when the new term starts tomorrow.

Mr Wells, who is from Heaton and teaches in Little Hulton, said: "We had concerns as the CRB was being set up and before it started operating.

"We thought it unlikely they would achieve their targets. They were not properly prepared and their planning was unrealistic. The consequence of this is the shambles we have now.

"It was at that stage that the government should have made the decision

to provide more resources to ensure the system worked smoothly and efficiently, rather than a last minute attempt to resolve what can only be described as a crisis.

"Our priority is to get our members in school and working with children at the beginning of this term to ensure that both teachers and pupils have a good start to the academic year.

"However, it is essential that the proper procedures are followed and the full checks are carried out."