An urgent summit is being held this week to discuss how a teacher was cleared to work in schools despite being accused of grooming a teenager for sex over the internet.

Mark Dunn, West Sussex County Council cabinet member for children's services, was shocked by revelations that Nigel Jackson was allowed to work at two West Sussex schools and one in Brighton and Hove, even though warnings about his behaviour had been sent to the Department of Education.

Coun Dunn has arranged a meeting between representatives of Sussex Police, East Sussex County Council and West Sussex County Council.

The meeting will continue the investigation into the facts of the Jackson case, review concerns over the systems in place and propose improvements which can be made at local or national level.

Coun Dunn said: "It is a matter of profound concern that despite official checks being followed, this man was able to deceive the system and gain employment for a supply agency to work in schools.

"It is my view that the reforms proposed by Ruth Kelly to Parliament last week will not in themselves be sufficient and would not have prevented the Jackson case.

"Following this meeting, I expect to provide answers to the questions raised and proposals for improvements."

Last week at Londonderry Magistrates Court, Northern Ireland, Jackson admitted indecently assaulting a schoolgirl and inciting her to commit acts of gross indecency and will be sentenced on February 24.

Coun Dunn said the conclusions of this week's summit would be made public.