Thirteen parents are to appear before Britain's first "truancy court" in south Essex.

They will appear in front of Grays magistrates facing a fine of up to £2,500 or three months' imprisonment if found guilty of deliberately keeping their children away from school.

It is alleged some of the parents were caught Christmas shopping with their children on a school day during truancy sweeps carried out in December.

They have been fast-tracked into court under new procedures aimed at getting parents into the legal system within 12 weeks being piloted by eight local authorities - including Thurrock.

The Department of Education and Skills also plans to give police, school staff and local education officers powers to issue fixed penalty notices to parents who "condone or ignore" their children's truancy.

The Government's new "zero tolerance" policy on truancy is also aimed at families who take their children on holiday during term-time to save money.

Principal educational welfare officer at Thurrock Sandra Fletcher said: "This is not about parents who have difficulty getting their children to school, to whom we will offer help and support.

"The prosecution route is about parents who refuse to take responsibility for their children's education."

In December, police carried out a truancy sweep, catching 99 children out of school. Of these 74 were from outside Thurrock, including youngsters from Newcastle and Cornwall.

Published Monday, February 24, 2003

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