A COUNCIL has pursued hundreds of prosecutions since 2016 against people who failed to ensure their children attended school, figures have shown.

Freedom of Information data obtained by the Leader show the number of such prosecutions pursued by Wrexham Council on an annual basis from 2016 - 2017 up to 2022 - 2023 (to date as of May 26.)

In total over that time period, there were 307 prosecutions pursued.

Over the same seven-year timespan, Flintshire Council confirmed via the Freedom of Information Act that it had pursued a total of 20 prosecutions for non-attendance at school and that for two of the years (2020/2021 and 2021/22) prosecutions were not pursued due to covid.

Asked about its policy on school attendance, the impact of non-attendance and what parents could expect regarding the consequences, a Wrexham Council spokesman said: "It is essential that children attend school consistently if they are to achieve their potential. 

"Regular or persistent absences from school can be a significant concern. 

READ MORE: Council frustration at tradespeople leaving

"Persistent or repeated absences can have serious consequences for the wellbeing of a child and can prejudice academic outcomes.

"Parents or those with Parental Responsibility have a legal duty to ensure that their children are properly educated.

"In law, there are some reasons to explain school absence that a headteacher can choose to accept to allow absence to be authorised. 

"These explanations include: Medical absences or some other unavoidable cause, religious observance [or] school transportation issues.

"These explanations must be accepted by a headteacher in accordance with the WG All Wales Attendance Framework before they are deemed legitimate. 

"Parents and carers may be required to provide specific evidence before a headteacher will authorise such absences.

"Absence for other reasons, including holidays in term time, should be discussed with the headteacher before any holiday is arranged.

"Permission for holiday leave can only be given by the Headteacher."

Wrexham Council stated that Welsh Government guidance suggests schools should use their discretion sparingly, unless exceptional circumstances a parent shall not be granted more than ten school days leave of absence in any one school year and ten school days should not be regarded as the norm or as an entitlement.

"The Local Authority recommends that no holidays are authorised in term time unless for exceptional circumstances," the Wrexham Council spokesman continued.

"Parents who fail to ensure that their children attend school regularly could be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £60 or could face legal proceedings.

"A finding of guilt in a local Magistrates Court can result in a criminal conviction. 

READ MORE: Tractors belonging to Wrexham farmer set to go to auction

"Each parent/carer could also receive a custodial sentence or fined up to £2,500 for each child missing school. 

"The court also has the power to make a Parenting Order should this be required.

"Some children may truant from school without their parent’s knowledge. North Wales Police have powers to detain any child(ren) of school age whom they suspect may be unlawfully absent from school.

"A Community Education Patrol also operates within the locality.

"Parents are requested to support their child by informing the school about the reason for any absence as soon as possible on the day the absence is required. 

"On return to school parents must ensure that a written note or medical evidence is provided to the headteacher.

"Parents can contact the Education Social Work Service for advice or support with regard to matters of school attendance.

"Additional Support or advice can be obtained from Youth Work in Education and the TRAC service with regard to school attendance matters."

Flintshire Council was also approached by the Leader for a response.