Head teachers could get powers to fine

Education welfare officers, head teachers and police would be given
powers to issue £100 fines to the parents of children who are
persistent truants, under guidance issued this week on the best use
of antisocial behaviour powers. The measure, which is an
alternative to prosecuting parents who do not ensure their child’s
regular attendance at school, is one of a range of ideas out for
consultation from the Home Office and the Department for Education
and Skills.

The document proposes introducing parenting orders and contracts
for those whose children have regularly missed school and have
failed to improve their attendance.

Education minister Ivan Lewis said: “Where parents are simply
unwilling to fulfil their responsibilities, it must be right that
society demands legal sanctions. Penalty notices for truancy and
parenting orders for behaviour will provide due accountability.”