§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he plans to take against parents who do not ensure that children under 16 years attend school. [4259]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisUnauthorised absence blights pupils' educational chances. With our partners in the education service we will be examining the scope for reinforcing parents' understanding of their legal responsibilities for ensuring regular attendance at school, including wider use of home/school agreements. We will also be consulting about new guidance for schools and LEAs drawing on good practice in effective follow-up of unjustified absences and will encourage greater use of existing enforcement powers where appropriate.