Fines will be issued if pupils are caught by a truancy patrol

The code sets out how schools and Torbay Council's education department will issue penalty notices which will require parents to pay fines of �50.

Notices will only be issued if a pupil has at least 10 unauthorised half-day absences within six months.

They can be issued if a pupil has been taken on holiday during term-time, or if they are found by a truancy patrol.

They will usually be proceeded by a formal warning letter.

The code says claiming the child was too tired after a late night, a birthday treat or family or friends visiting will not be accepted as valid excuses.

Fines for parents of truants have been legal since the arrival of the Anti-social Behaviour Act on the statute book in 2003.