Truants caught in joint operation

Future truancy sweeps will be held in the borough

More than 40 children were stopped as part of a truancy sweep in the East Riding.

Police and education welfare officers found the children wandering the streets and public places such as shopping centres.

Many of the pupils were returned to their schools as they could not give an adequate reason for their absence.

The truancy drive was carried out in Beverley, Bridlington and Goole.

Pupil Pass

More are due in the borough without further notice or warning.

About a third of the 42 pupils stopped were of primary school age accompanied by their parents.

Angela Carpenter, Principal Education Welfare Officer, said: "We are concerned at the number of younger children who have been stopped in the company of their parents.

"Some parents do not recognise the importance of regular full time education and feel it is all right to keep a child away from their lessons.

"This does not give the child the right message about the importance of school attendance."

Children who have a legitimate reason to be out of school are given a Pupil Pass by their teacher.