SCHOOL pupils in Swanley will be taking a risk this Christmas if they play truant.

Kent County Council (KCC) welfare officers have teamed up with Kent police for their Truancy Watch campaign.

If pupils choose shopping over Shakespeare they will be stopped and asked why they are not in school.

Unless the pupils can prove their absence is legitimate, they will be taken back to school or home.

Last year the campaign was a huge success with 130 children stopped in just one day last September. Swanley is one of nine areas being targeted to crack down on truancy.

Teams will be sweeping across areas for the rest of November and the campaign will run until January.

Parents who take their children out of school without authorisation will also be stopped and those who keep allowing their children to skip lessons could face prosecution.

Cabinet member for education standards Councillor Paul Carter warned the message would be hammered home.

He said: "Consistent schooling is important, a birthday treat or Christmas shopping are no excuses for missing time school. It is the parents' responsibility to ensure their child attends school."

November 20, 2001 12:36