PARENTS of truants in Kirklees have been handed fines for failing to ensure their children go to school.

New figures released today show that 28 people were handed the £50 fixed penalty notices between January 1 and April 13 this year.

The £50 fines — rising to £100 if not paid within 28 days — were introduced by the Government in February 2004.

Nationally 4,616 notices were issued by councils to parents.

The figures were released alongside new truancy rates.

The national rate of unauthorised absence in secondary schools remained stable in autumn 2006 at 1.35%, but rose slightly to 1.61% in spring 2007.

The figures for Kirklees were 1.4% in the autumn term and 1.6% in spring.

Children’s Minister Kevin Brennan said: “A lot of attention is rightly given to truancy, but it is important that we focus on cutting overall absence too.

“Whether a child taking a day off without good reason has parental consent or not, it is still a lost day of learning.

Research from the Department for Children, Schools and Families shows that half of all children found on truancy sweeps are with an adult.

Among the excuses given by parents are visiting relatives and friends, buying school uniform and shoes and birthday celebrations.

Mr Brennan said: “It’s so important that schools and parents work together – and good communication is essential.

“We want to get tough on parents who wilfully permit truancy or absence on flimsy grounds. But parents should know that schools and local agencies are there to help them get their children to school – and no parent should be fined if they are doing their utmost to get their child into school.”