SEVERAL parents appeared before magistrates in Grays in February (4 February) to admit failing to make sure their children attended school regularly.
A Grays mother pleaded guilty, was fined £325 and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge and £120 costs, totalling £460.
A mother from South Ockendon also admitted the offence and received a 12 month Parenting Order involving full engagement with classes and counselling.
A Grays mother and father also admitted failing to ensure their three children attended school. The parents were each sentenced to a Community Order with 50 hours of unpaid work. In addition they were both made subject to a 12 month Parenting Order involving full engagement with classes and counselling.
Another mother, from Tilbury, pleaded guilty to breaching the requirements of a Conditional Discharge that she had previously received for failing to ensure her daughter attended school regularly. She was sentenced to a Community Order with 50 hours unpaid work and was ordered to pay £50 costs. The Conditional Discharge continues to run.
Whilst I agree with getting tough on truancy how is a parent meant to ensure 100% that child is at school during school time, they could drop them off in the morning and as most parent work there is nothing stopping the children from walking out straight after.
maybe the punishment should also be dished out to the truants??