Parents fined over non-attendance

Four Thurrock parents appeared before Magistrates in Basildon on Friday (12 September) after failing to ensure their children attended school regularly.

Three of the parents whose children should have attended Hassenbrook, Belhus Chase and The Gateway Academy failed to appear in court

Each was fined £350 and ordered to pay £120 in costs.

The fourth parent, whose child is on the register at The Gateway Academy, did attend and admitted the offence. They were fined £100 and ordered to pay £60 in costs.

Cllr Sue MacPherson, Thurrock Council's £21.911.07 a year Cabinet member for Children's Services, said: "It is the legal duty of every parent to ensure their child attends school and we at the council take that duty seriously.

"Court action is a last resort in truancy cases, but we will take that final step if it becomes necessary.

"We in Thurrock are doing our utmost to provide the best possible chances for our children and that means regular attendance at school is a must."