School truancies lead to rise in prosecution of parents

‘The number of parents taken to court in England because of children skipping school rose sharply last year, official figures show.

In 2014 16,430 people were prosecuted for failing to ensure their children went to school, an increase of more than 3,000 – or 25% – on 2013.

Ministry of Justice figures, obtained by the Press Association, revealed more than three-quarters were found guilty.

Head teachers’ leaders said good attendance was “absolutely critical”.’