EFFORTS to clamp down on truancy appear to be working, with new figures showing a reduction in Essex schools’ absence levels.

Figures for the autumn and spring terms of the most recent academic year, show a year-on-year improvement in absence rates countywide, although Government targets are still not being met.

Initiatives such as handing out £50 fines to parents who take children on holiday in term time and a tougher overall tougher general stance on truancy, are being credited for the reduction.

The overall absence rate – based on the number of half-days of schooling missed by pupils – has come down from 6.56 per cent during the autumn and spring terms of 2006-2007 to 6.38 per cent in autumn and spring 2007-2008.

The Government’s target for the period was 6.14 per cent.

Lord Hanningfield, leader of Essex County Council, stressed it was far from complacent about truancy.

He said: “Although it is excellent we are moving in the right direction, we are well aware that more needs to be done.

“The council has already taken measures to make further improvements. Increased use of fixed penalty notices was introduced in February.

“Two major advertising campaigns were run at the end of the summer term and start of the current academic year.

“However, this is a battle which can only be won with the full support of every parent and guardian.”

Lord Hanningfield said letters had now been sent to every parent of school-age children, reminding them of their responsibilities when it came to ensuring regular school attendance.