DfESs tough truancy policy hailed by NUT

22 Sep 05
The National Union of Teachers has welcomed the Department for Education and Skills' hardline approach to school absenteeism, which will target the parents of 8,000 'serial truants'.

23 September 2005

The National Union of Teachers has welcomed the Department for Education and Skills' hardline approach to school absenteeism, which will target the parents of 8,000 'serial truants'.

The plan is to place them on a scheme that could lead to an automatic prosecution and £2,500 fine.

'The prospect of prosecution leading to a hefty fine or possible imprisonment of parents if attendance does not improve… may be a significant shock,' said Steve Sinnott, the NUT's general secretary.

'It may also be a deterrent to other parents who do not take their responsibilities for their children's regular attendance at school seriously,' he added.

His comments follow the publication of the DfES's latest statistics on pupil absences in England. They showed that while authorised absences have been cut by 0.19% over the past year to 5.66% of half school days, unauthorised absences — truancies — have risen by 0.07 to 0.79% of half school days.

Schools minister Jacqui Smith announced an 'intensive drive' against the 8,000 'serial truants' in 146 identified secondary schools.

It includes a scheme where parents will be automatically prosecuted if their child's attendance does not improve over a 12-week period.

Smith said: 'We will continue to support local education authorities and schools facing the greatest challenges with targeted measures.'

PFsep2005

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