Children who fail to attend school are targeted

In January, Darlington Council's education welfare service launched a new policy of handing out fixed penalty notices for poor attendance.

The comprehensive school children had attended less than 80% of lessons in six months and had more than 10 unauthorised absences from school.

The parents were sent the �50 notices which must be paid within 28 days.

If no payment is made, the fine increases to �100, and if this is not paid within 42 days the parents can be taken to court.

'Help available'

Three of the parents in these cases received a warning letter about their children's attendance telling them it had to improve within 15 days or a fixed penalty notice would be issued.

The fourth did not receive a warning as the parent had asked for permission to take their child out of school on holiday.

The refusal of the holiday request by the school acted as that parent's warning to improve their child's attendance.

Chris McEwan, Darlington Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services said: "It is important that both children and parents understand the importance of going to school.

"There is help and advice available for any parents who are concerned about their children and I would urge they get in touch before any more fixed penalty notices are issued."