MORE than a dozen parents, who have failed to stop their children being truant from school, face the courts in the new year.

The 15 parents, from across the borough, who have ignored warnings from the council will be attending Greenwich Magistrates' Court on January 28.

And the parents, who are legally obliged to ensure their children attend school, can expect to receive fines of up to £2,500, depending on their circumstances.

On average 10 days out of eight weeks have been missed by the youngsters, with some missing as much as three or four days a week.

The expected fines are a result of a hard-hitting campaign, launched in September, aimed at boosting attendance and academic standards.

In successful cases, the campaign has brought improvements with pupils' attendance increasing by 15 per cent.

Greenwich Council's executive member for lifelong learning Councillor Peter Kotz said: "Our aim is to remind parents how important school is to the child's future. At the same time, we need to spell out the consequences for those who do not send their child to school.

"By targeting parents of younger children, we aim to make sure families get into good habits of regular attendance from an early stage. This council will do everything in its power to ensure kids get their right to education."

The campaign was a response to reports that attendance in the borough was below the London and nationwide average with secondary school pupils in Greenwich missing an average of one month of school each year.

The council has expanded its team of truant patrol officers, who will stop school-aged children found during school hours, whether on their own or with adults.

For advice on school attendance, call 020 8921 8560.

December 19, 2001 10:29

Andy Laithwaite