Increase in prosecutions for school truancies

Figures obtained by the Press Association found that a total of 16,430 people were prosecuted in 2014 for not ensuring their children were in school, which is a significant increase from 13,128 in 2013. Of those taken to court, 12,479 were found guilty and 9,214 fines were issued, as well as 18 jail sentences.

The rise follows a crackdown in pupils missing schools, which includes tougher rules on term-time holidays introduced two years ago.

Malcolm Trobe, deputy general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "Good attendance is absolutely critical to the education and future prospects of young people. Research has repeatedly and clearly shown that young people whose attendance is good are far more likely to achieve five or more good GCSEs.

"Schools have rightly responded to this overwhelming evidence by taking a strong line in identifying when children are absent without a valid reason, particularly where there is persistent truancy. They work closely with education welfare officers, and where they cannot obtain a response from parents are now more likely to move to court action at an early stage."

Craig Langman, founder of the pressure group Parents Want a Say, believes families are being unfairly criminalised for taking their children out of school. He said: "Due to the ban on term time holidays the right to a family life is being severely compromised and it is hurting families across the country.

"Parents Want a Say will continue to campaign to reverse term time holiday rules - this is a debate about family rights and the education system."

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