Parents-of-nine 'threatened with jail' over children's sick days

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-34045808

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A couple with nine children claim to have been threatened with jail over their youngsters' school sick days.

Tracy, 44, and Paul Foster, 47, said they had been told by Walsall Council to ensure two of their children make it to lessons in the new academic year.

Faith, 15, and Lenny, 12, each missed 15 days during the last academic year.

The council has said it was continuing talks with the Fosters but that days off were granted, in line with policy, only "in exceptional circumstances".

Mrs Foster, from Great Barr, claimed education officials at the authority delivered the warning in a face-to-face meeting earlier this year.

The housewife confirmed she and her husband, who works for the National Blood Service, were called to an attendance meeting with the council in June.

The couple claimed they were then told they could be prosecuted if either child, who attend the Barr Beacon School in Aldridge, Walsall, had any more time off sick after the new term starts in September.

Mr and Mrs Foster are also parents to Stephen, aged 18, 16-year-old Grace, Eily, aged ten, April, seven, Stanley, aged six, William, aged three, and two-year-old Frederick.

Mrs Foster said: "It came an absolute shock what they said, that basically we would automatically go to court and could go to prison.

"We didn't expect it at all."

Walsall Council's schools chief Chris Towe said: "Children's Services at Walsall Council are in ongoing discussions with the Foster family over this matter and I would reiterate to all parents and guardians that consistent 85% attendance in local authority schools is a national requirement for all pupils."

"All schools issue standard guidelines to parents and guardians on attendance and punctuality.

"School absences are only granted in exceptional circumstances."