Bracknell

Two Bracknell families have been successfully prosecuted by council for allowing their children to be persistently absent from school.

At the hearing in East Berkshire Magistrates' Court a mother was fined a total of £90 for her child's absenteeism, while a mother and father were fined a combined total of £265 for their child's consistent absence from school.

The Education Act 1996 states parents are responsible for ensuring children of compulsory school age (five to 16 years old) receive a suitable education, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.

The Bracknell council, as the local education authority (LEA) can prosecute parents who fail to meet this statutory requirement. Government guidance encourages LEAs to take a hard line on absenteeism.

Martin Gocke, acting director for Children, Young People and Learning at Bracknell Forest Council, said: "The council does not use prosecution as a first option. Parents have a responsibility to ensure their children are educated and where there is a concern about absences, education welfare officers work with parents and the children in an attempt to bring about improved attendance.

"If there is no improvement then the council will take whatever action is necessary to ensure children do not miss out on their education and jeopardise their future outcomes. This is a clear warning to parents that persistent absence from school could lead to court proceedings."

Bracknell Forest Council