SCHOOLS have been reprimanded by education bosses for failing to declare details of criminal and professional checks on staff.

Buckinghamshire County Council bosses said they were "very disappointed" that about only a fifth of schools had returned the details on time.

The deadline was January 30 to submit the "Single Central Record" and has now been extended to tomorrow.

Heads have now been warned they face being penalised by education inspectors should they fail to return the records.

Schools have been obliged since January 2007 to return the information and inspectorate Ofsted are now demanding to see the record as part of their work.

A bulletin to staff from the council this month said: "Regrettably, that deadline has just passed, and with only just over 50 schools having sent their returns we are naturally very disappointed with this response rate."

It goes on: "It is very important that every school has an adequate Single Central Record in place.

"Failure to have the necessary record in place could seriously impact on the outcome of your Ofsted report."

Schools must keep a single, central record of when and by who checks are made on staff.

These checks are to confirm the identity and qualifications of staff.

Staff can also consult the Criminal Records Bureau and List 99, which details teachers whose employment has been restricted or barred.

Schools have been asked to submit the information to the Safeguarding in Employment team at the council.