More than 2,000 school absence fines issued by council

Fines were issued to parents of children who missed more than five days over a 10-week period

Parents have been issued more than 2,000 fines by a local authority for pupil absences over the last academic year.

Telford and Wrekin Council said fines were usually issued once a child is recorded as being absent for the equivalent of five school days over a 10-week period.

Responding to a freedom of information request, the council said parents of children at Telford Langley School received the most fines.

The penalty notices are for £160, but can be reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days.

The council said that, where appropriate, support could be given to parents, or a "notice to improve", before a fine was issued.

The schools with the largest number of fines were:

• The Telford Langley School - 111 penalty notices

• Hadley Learning Community -105

• Ercall Wood Academy - 101

• Charlton School - 100

• Redhill Primary Academy - 80