Ofsted inspectors are to check that schools are properly vetting new staff to make sure that sex offenders cannot get jobs with children.

The inspectors will include the new checks during their visits to schools from this autumn. Headteachers and governors are also being trained to ensure that the safety of children is high on selection concerns.

Plans for the role of the inspectors were announced on Tuesday in a progress report by the Home Office to Sir Michael Bichard on reforms after the conviction of Ian Huntley in 2003 for the murders of Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells.

Stakeholder Response: ChildLine

Natasha Finlayson, ChildLine director of policy and communications, said: "ChildLine's priority is to ensure children are protected, and it is essential that the improvements in the policies and technology recommended by the Bichard Inquiry, relating to recording and sharing information, are implemented by schools and local authorities and monitored closely. It is essential to help schools prevent those who have sexually abused children in the past from gaining inappropriate access to young people again, and possibly reoffending.