Education chiefs are tightening the rules over fines for children who bunk off school.
Parents who take their children out of school to go on holiday during term time could be fined up to £100 if the pupil's attendance record falls below 95 per cent. If they fail to pay, they can be dragged before the courts and fined up to £1,000.
Parents of youngsters picked up by truancy sweeps also face fines.
County Hall hopes the move will cut truancy rates across Essex.
Fines were brought in over a year ago but the county council is tweaking the rules as part of an ongoing review.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Tuesday, February 7, 2006
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