Cut price family holidays reducing truancy
North Tyneside Council announced on Tuesday that a campaign to offer parents whose children make regular attendance ten per cent off holidays outside of term time has helped cut truancy by 89 per cent, with only six exclusions made for missing school.
So far, 118 families have used the scheme, making savings of around £4,000 on their holidays.
In addition to the holiday voucher scheme, the council has threatened parents who do not stick to the rules fines of £100 and a fast court appearance. Nine have already been prosecuted, with fines and costs totalling £2,250.
"Children cannot learn if they are not in the classroom and we need the support of parents to achieve that," said councillor Norma Redfearn.
"Our fast-track penalty approach is ensuring we intervene in problems at an earlier stage and work with families to find a solution that keeps children in learning. However, prosecution is still available as a last resort."
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08.08.2006.