CONFIDENTIAL information about almost 300 primary school children was published on the internet.

The blunder allowed computer users across the world to access files at Werneth infant and nursery school in Oldham.

One file contained details of 273 pupils' names, gender and ethnic origin.

On learning of the breach, council chiefs closed the site and checked if information on other school sites was secure.

The council has promised a full investigation into the blunder.

The Information Commissioner's Office - responsible for regulating and enforcing access to and use of personal information - is aware of the breach and could also launch an inquiry.

The mistake allowed web users access to the school's intranet system, which included a list of National Curriculum assessments for three to seven-year-olds.

The alarm was raised by a concerned member of the public, who said: "The council has done some stupid things but posting the names and data of infant school children on a website with no password or user authentication is potentially very dangerous."

Council spokesman Alun Francis said: "On behalf of the council and the school I would like to apologise to parents for any upset caused.

"I would like to reassure them that the authority and local schools take the issue of data protection very seriously.

"As soon as we became aware of this breach the intranet site was closed and an initial investigation identified there was a fault with the system. This is currently being rectified.

"A full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fault and to ensure no other school's information is vulnerable."

He said the council and schools have robust data protection policies to protect children and residents.

An ICO spokesman said the council has a responsibility to ensure adequate safeguardsare in place and will investigate if a formal complaint is made.