Absence from school costs family £1000

Figures released by East Sussex County Council show that 33 parents were prosecuted for during October for allowing their child or children to be repeatedly absent from school. One family with two children paid £800 in fines and £200 in costs.

Councillor Rupert Simmons, Lead Member for Learning and School Effectiveness commented: "The prosecutions are part of the County Council's firm approach to absence from school.

Parents are given support and advice from the Education Welfare Service if children are not attending school but in extreme cases we have to take action so that they do not miss out on their education. It really is a case of no education - no future - no excuse"

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At Eastbourne Magistrates Court: There were 16 prosecutions during October which led to parents being fined. Two parents who breached a previous Conditional Discharge for their two children were each fined 400 with 100 costs. The children had attended school less than 10% of the available time.

At Hastings Magistrates Court: There were 13 prosecutions during October which led to parents being fined. One mother who pleaded guilty was fined 600 and 250 costs when she failed to appear at court and did not provide adequate reasons.

Her child had attended school for only 47% of the available time from November 2005 - March 2006.

At Lewes Magistrates Court: There were four prosecutions with two adjournments Which led to parents being fined. The Education Welfare Service contacts parents offering guidance and support following attempts by the school to resolve poor attendance. Legal options are only pursued if children remain out of school and parents fail to co-operate to resolve the problem.