Twenty young people caught truanting in Cheetham
26 February 2008
A two-day truancy sweep in Cheetham resulted in twenty young people being caught out of school without a valid reason.
The sweeps took place on 18 February and 20 February. On the first day, 21 pupils were stopped, eight of them of primary school age and 13 of secondary school age. Fourteen had valid reasons for being out of school but the rest didn't.
On the second sweep, 17 pupils were stopped, most of secondary school age, and only four had valid reasons for being absent from school.
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 Executive Member for Children's Services, Councillor Sheila Newman, said: "It is crucial that children remain in school because this is the way to enhance their life chances. It is a message that should be taken on board by their parents, who face the possibility of a fine if they persist in letting their child miss lessons for no good reason."
Media contact:
Dave Hulme, 234 4610, Jane Lemon, 234 3179
