BECOMING a self-employed private tutor is the "ideal scenario" for child abusers because they do not need to have a criminal records check, a charity has warned.

The NSPCC highlighted a "loophole" that means while workers such as accountants, vets and traffic wardens must have Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, a self-employed teacher is not required to do so.

It wants self-employed private tutors in the UK to be required by law to undergo the checks, which would reveal details of any child sex offences.

Sharon Copsey, regional head of services for the South West, said: “This summer as many as one in four children could be given a head start on the new school year by receiving private tuition at home.

“A DBS check is designed to reveal details of any previous child sex offences. But anyone can offer their services as a tutor without being required to get a DBS certificate.

“It’s absurd that you need a criminal record check to issue a parking fine or treat animals, but not if you’re a private tutor working with children.

“The NSPCC is calling for an urgent change to the DBS scheme so self-employed tutors have to get DBS clearance before they are allowed to take private lessons.

“Clearly the vast majority of private tutors are not child abusers, but the current legal loophole makes it an ideal scenario for any predatory adult seeking to harm children.”

According to research by education charity the Sutton Trust, around one in four children receive extra tuition outside school.

The NSPCC recommends that parents use reputable agencies and take their own steps to make sure the tutor is suitable, such as interviewing candidates, following up references and speaking to previous employers.

The charity’s chief executive Peter Wanless added: "Children have a right to be educated in safety and parents need to know that every care has been taken to ensure unsuitable people cannot practise as tutors.

"The rules on applying for criminal record checks need to apply to self-employed tutors just as they do for teachers employed in schools."

The charity runs a Speak Out Stay Safe schools safeguarding programme, which teaches children how to stay safe from different kinds of abuse and who to go to for help.

Sharon said: “We cover the ‘Underwear Rule’ in our programme, which teaches children that their body belongs to them, they have a right to say no, and that they should tell an adult if they’re upset or worried.”