Tough stance on truants raises exam results.

A council's get-tough stance with the parents of persistent truants is paying off with improved attendance and exam results, it emerged yesterday.

More than 40 parents have been hauled before magistrates in Gateshead since the council's drive to end truancy began.

Under new Government legislation, parents of children who regularly skive can find themselves charged with aggravated truancy.

New figures published by Gateshead Council show that attendance at secondary schools has now reached its highest ever level, 91pc, while attendance at primary schools is now 94pc.

Coun John McElroy, Gateshead Council's cabinet member for learning and culture, said exam results had improved as a result.

He said: "Our schools are working hard with parents and pupils to make sure that everyone gets the message that even just missing one unnecessary day at school can have a serious effect on a child's long-term education and future. The fact that attendance is rising, and schools are seeing such excellent exam and test results is something that Gateshead Council, along with thousands of pupils, parents, teachers and governors across the borough, can be very, very proud of.

"We are aiming to keep our hard work on attendance going, in order to make sure that education can continue to go from strength to strength in Gateshead."

As well as the risk of court action, parents of children who bunk off are called to monthly meetings to discuss problems.

Tackling problems such as home care issues and bullying has also contributed to a reduction in days missing.