The council says it will not take the action lightly

Durham County Council's education service will issue penalty notices under the Anti Social Behaviour Act to target poor school attendance.

Parents will have 28 days to pay �50 in full which goes up to �100 if paid after 28 days but within 42 days.

The council says it has drawn up the scheme after consulting with the police, schools and other agencies.

Written warnings

Cabinet member for lifelong learning Cllr Neil Foster said: "Reducing absence is a key priority because missing school damages a pupil's attainment levels, disrupts school routines and the learning of others and can leave young people vulnerable to anti-social behaviour and youth crime."

Parents will receive written warnings about the possibility of a penalty notice and 15 days will be given to make improvements.

The notices will be an alternative to prosecution if they are paid in full on time.

Council head of access and inclusion Maureen Clare said: "We consider regular attendance is of such importance that penalty notices may be used in a range of situations, such as pupils found during truancy sweeps, inappropriate absence condoned by parents, excessive holidays in term time and persistent late arrival at school.

"We never take action lightly and would far rather work with parents or carers to improve attendance without having to resort to any enforcement action."