Parents fined after daughter skips school over 180 times

The youngster ‘simply doesn’t like going’

- Kerry Ashdown

A MUM and dad have been fined after their daughter clocked up more than 180 unauthorised absences from school - despite their attempts to take her there by taxi at their own expense.

‘The pair, who do not live together, have been spending up to £70 a week on cabs to take the teenager to the school, which is just over a mile away from her home.

Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard the family had been offered support, including assistance from children’s charity Banardo’s and a place on a minibus that could collect the girl from home on school days. But she refused to board the bus.

‘The parents admitted failing to ensure she attended school regularly between January 21 and July 17 2024 and between January 17 and May 23 this year. Magistrates were told the teenager had 94 unauthorised absences during one period and 88 during the other.