Caerphilly county borough council is taking a tough stance against parents of children with high levels of non-attendance at school.
Truancy and other spells of unauthorised absence can have a damaging effect on a child’s education and the council is keen to ensure the worst offenders are tackled.
A recent court case saw a local parent of three children prosecuted resulting in a fine of £350 per child plus costs.
CCBC cabinet member for education, Cllr Phil Bevan, said, “We want to send out a clear message to parents that we take this issue seriously. It is important that children attend school every day and we will take appropriate steps to deal with parents of pupils with bad attendance records.”
So far this academic year the council has taken 14 cases to court with another 7 pending. There has also been an increase in fines with 10 out of the 14 having penalties of £350 imposed.
The council is also involved in partnership work to tackle truants. Education Welfare Officers recently worked alongside the Caerphilly Neighbourhood Policing Team and stopped 20 comprehensive school pupils as part of a special joint operation.
Cllr Bevan added, “Truanting from school can have a significant detrimental impact on a young persons education. This, together with the anti-social behaviour that often occurs as a result of truancy means that we are very keen to put a stop to the very small minority of young people who feel it is acceptable to play truant from school.”
