THERE are no sex offenders working in York schools. That was the message from education chiefs who today moved to reassure parents.

City of York Council's director of children's services Patrick Scott said there is no one working in York schools on List 99 which contains the names, dates of birth and teacher reference numbers of people whose employment has been barred or restricted.

His comments follow Education Secretary Ruth Kelly's decision to look at making more changes to teacher recruitment after revelations that sex offenders were approved to teach.

Mr Scott said: "I am not aware of anybody on the sex offenders register working in York schools and we take no chances on this issue.

"From time to time people seek employment with skeletons in their closets and we look at these on an individual case by case basis, but I have never been asked to make a decision that I'm aware is on the Sex Offender's Register.

"I would like to reassure parents that our recruitment policies for anybody working in schools are very robust."

As a result of Sir Michael Bichard's inquiry after the Soham murders Mr Scott said the council is currently re-training school governors in what to look for.

The results of an urgent review ordered by Education Secretary Ruth Kelly, who approved one offender, are due soon.

Updated: 12:25 Monday, January 16, 2006