RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans has backed stricter controls on sex offenders teaching in schools.

A new independent "central barring unit" will take all decisions on banning anyone.

At the moment, separate checks have to be made on List 99, a health service list currently operating under the Protection of Children Act and the sex offenders' register.

The bill also proposes that any employers who knowingly hire people who have been barred from working with children could face tough sanctions, including a five-year jail term or fines of up to £5,000.

And the legislation will also enable parents to check whether private tutors or nannies are banned. Mr Evans said: "The scandals over the last few months about teachers on sex offenders' register have concerned many parents.

"This also protects people who work with children that sex offenders will be weeded out of their profession."