Jail terms for parents of truants become reality

Fast-track prosecutions for the parents of persistent truants
who “refuse” to send their children to school are being introduced
by the government.

Education minister Stephen Twigg said parents would have 12
weeks to make sure that their children consistently attended school
or face prosecution that could lead to parenting orders, fines of
up to £2,500 and imprisonment.

The fast-track procedure, which the government says is stepping
up its battle against truancy, will be piloted in six local
education authorities across England from November.

“Parents must also accept their share of responsibility,” Twigg
said.

“These measures will ensure a swifter prosecution of those
parents who refuse to get their children to school,” he added. He
claimed that truancy sweeps earlier this year picked up 12,000
children in just four weeks.