Truancy sweeps stop 162 young people

Manchester education officers apprehended 162 young people in three truancy sweeps in Manchester city centre.

Their parents will all now receive letters warning them that if their child is caught truanting again within 15 days they may be spot-fined £50, rising to £100 if the initial fine is not paid before the 28 day period.

The officers carried out three sweeps on Monday, 10 December, Wednesday, 12 December and Friday, 14 December as part of a wider Respect action week in the city centre with the council, police and other partners working together to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and to provide personal safety advice to people who visit, live or work in the city.

In the Friday sweep, 43 of the 50 young people stopped were accompanied by adults.

The Director of Children's Services for Manchester City Council, Pauline Newman, said: "By combating truancy we are underlining the fact that attending school is absolutely essential to a child's future prospects. This is a message that we want to drive home to parents as well as children. We realise that in the approach to the Christmas holiday there is a more relaxed atmosphere around us but being in school when you should be is a matter of being disciplined and responsible - a crucial lesson in itself."

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