A MOTHER-OF-SIX has been fined more than £3,000 for not sending her children to school.

The mum, from Thurrock, who cannot be named for legal reasons, did not attend Grays Magistrates’ Court, but was found guilty in her absence.

She was fined £525 for each of her six children, and ordered to pay costs of £120 and a victim surcharge of £15, a total of £3,285.

Sue MacPherson, the council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I am shocked some parents would willingly deprive their children of the opportunity to benefit from an education.

“Parents have a legal requirement to ensure their children go to school, and the council will continue to take legal action against those who refuse to provide their children with this basic right.”

The mother entered no plea to six charges of failing to ensure her child’s regular attendance at school.

On the same day, a Tilbury mother received a conditional discharge for failing to send her 15-year-old daughter to school.

The woman, who also cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at court where she pleaded guilty and received a 12-month conditional discharge.

In addition, she was ordered to pay £120 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Problems with attendance in schools across the borough were discussed at the last meeting of Thurrock Council’s cabinet.

Robert McCulloch Graham, the council’s director of children education and families, said: “Primary school attendance, in comparison with other boroughs, is poor, whereas secondary school attendance is good. Secondary school children can get themselves to school, primary school children can’t.

“That’s the main reason.”

Councillor Neil Rockliffe asked if the council could do more to prosecute the parents of children who have poor attendance levels.

Since September 2008 the council has taken out 41 prosecutions and issued eight penalty notices against parents who let their children stay away from school.