Llanelli mum prosecuted for truancy offences
A Llanelli mother has been prosecuted for failing to make sure her children went to school.
The mum, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty by post to two charges under the Education Act 1996 at Ammanford Magistrates Court.
The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council.
The court heard that her 15-year-old daughter was absent from school for 54 per cent of the time between February 1 and May 14 this year.
Her six-year-old son had an absence rate of 44 per cent during the same period.
No explanation was given for their failure to go to school.
Education welfare officers had visited the home on more than 20 occasions.
She was fined a total of £130 by magistrates (£65 for each offence), and ordered to pay a total of £30 victims’ surcharge as well as prosecution costs of £100.
The Education Act 1996 states parents are responsible for ensuring children of compulsory school age (five to 16 years old) receive a suitable education, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.
The council, as the local education authority (LEA) can prosecute parents who fail to meet this statutory requirement. Government guidance encourages LEAs to take a hard line on absenteeism.
The council’s executive board member for education and children’s services Councillor Gwynne Wooldridge said: “The council does not use prosecution as a first option. Parents have a responsibility to ensure their children are educated and where there is a concern about absences, education welfare officers work with parents and the children in an attempt to bring about improved attendance.
“If there is no improvement then the council will take whatever action is necessary to ensure children do not miss out on their education and jeopardise their future. This is a clear warning to parents that persistent absence from school could lead to court proceedings.”
The mum, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty by post to two charges under the Education Act 1996 at Ammanford Magistrates Court.
The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council.
The court heard that her 15-year-old daughter was absent from school for 54 per cent of the time between February 1 and May 14 this year.
Her six-year-old son had an absence rate of 44 per cent during the same period.
No explanation was given for their failure to go to school.
Education welfare officers had visited the home on more than 20 occasions.
She was fined a total of £130 by magistrates (£65 for each offence), and ordered to pay a total of £30 victims’ surcharge as well as prosecution costs of £100.
The Education Act 1996 states parents are responsible for ensuring children of compulsory school age (five to 16 years old) receive a suitable education, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.
The council, as the local education authority (LEA) can prosecute parents who fail to meet this statutory requirement. Government guidance encourages LEAs to take a hard line on absenteeism.
The council’s executive board member for education and children’s services Councillor Gwynne Wooldridge said: “The council does not use prosecution as a first option. Parents have a responsibility to ensure their children are educated and where there is a concern about absences, education welfare officers work with parents and the children in an attempt to bring about improved attendance.
“If there is no improvement then the council will take whatever action is necessary to ensure children do not miss out on their education and jeopardise their future. This is a clear warning to parents that persistent absence from school could lead to court proceedings.”
Comments