CHILDREN are being turned away from ethics classes in public schools because there are not enough volunteers or funding to meet demand.

Schools such as Gosford Public School on the central coast can offer classes only to those attending non-scripture classes. The school has no space to allow children learning scripture to opt out and study ethics.

Tanya Burrows … ''I thought it was a terrific thing for kids to do rather than nothing, which they do in non-scripture.'' Credit:Marco Del Grande

Others have placed students on waiting lists until vacancies arise or new volunteers are appointed. The provider, Primary Ethics, said more than 4000 volunteers were needed to meet demand - seven times the existing number.

The organisation has had the most success recruiting volunteers in more affluent areas, such as the eastern suburbs and the lower north shore. However, ethics teachers were scarce in the western and south-western suburbs. The service is also limited by a lack of funding - it relies solely on private donations.