NEARLY 5,000 parents across south Essex were fined last year after their children failed to turn up to school...eight times more than in the previous 12 months.

Fresh figures released for the last academic year show local authorities generated almost £300,000 of income from unauthorised absences.

Essex County Council took action against 4,095 mums and dads - compared to 137 in 2014/2015.

Southend Council fined 90 parents, although 18 cases were dropped on appeal.

In Thurrock, 707 £60 penalty notices were handed out - with 150 later withdrawn.

Matt Walker, 33, of London Road, Leigh, and his partner were fined a total of £120 for taking their son out of Westwood Academy, in Beresford Close, Hadleigh, for a family holiday.

He said: “My brother was coming to see us from New Zealand and we arranged a holiday to Turkey.

“The school granted us ten days but the holiday was 12. They said it was unauthorised absence but I do not agree with that.”

James Courtney, councillor for education in Southend, said his authority works with parents and schools to tackle the issue of truancy.

He added: “I think these figures are pleasing for Southend and show the work that the council carries out.

“We try not to fine parents and are willing to work with families on issues like this.”

Colin Riley, leader of Castle Point Council, sympathised with some parents caught out by the tough rules.

He said: “It seems some parents are willing to risk a fine for cheaper holidays.

“I think a lot of this is down to holiday prices. Although I do not condone what people are doing, I think family holidays are important and prices can be very high during half term.

“I think other parents and grandparents will be very concerned about these figures.”

Nick Maxwell, currently headteacher of Cedar Hall special school, in Hart Road, Thundersley, has worked across Essex.

He said: “Truancy has always been an issue. I think the local authorities are working on it.”

Ray Gooding, councillor respsonsible for education and lifelong learning, said: “Parents have a legal duty to ensure regular school attendance for their children who are registered at a school. There are clear links between attendance and attainment, and every lesson really does count.
 
“The actions we have taken, including the issuing of fixed penalty notices, have helped school attendance in the county reach its highest level for more than a decade.
 
“The Missing Education and Child Employment Service works very closely with Essex schools to address unauthorised absences, carefully considering each case, and our position is clearly defined within our code of conduct.
 
“The Government has made it very clear that headteachers should not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances and, where necessary, we will continue to take the action needed to protect the education of the county’s pupils.”