CHILDREN in the North-East who play truant could land their parents with an on-the-spot fine from next month.

Local education authorities (LEAs) across the region will be able to issue penalty notices under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 if school attendance is poor.

The notice is an alternative to prosecution - if it is paid in full and on time.

Parents will be given 28 days from receipt of the notice to pay the £50 fine. After that, the penalty rises to £100, to be paid within 42 days of receipt.

Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for lifelong learning with Durham County Council, said: "Reducing absence is a key priority, because missing school damages a pupil's attainment levels, disrupts school routines and the learning of others, and can leave young people vulnerable to anti-social behaviour and youth crime."

Letters and an information leaflet are being sent to parents to explain how the system will work.

Parents will receive written warning of the possibility of a notice being issued, which will give the extent of the absence and 15 days to make improvements.

Middlesbrough Council's head of inclusion, Dave Johnson, said headteachers were entitled to issue the notices, but that, following consultation, has asked that LEA officers to do it.

A spokesman for Hartlepool Borough Council said: "While we will consider issuing notices, we would rather work with parents and carers on a more constructive basis, but reserve the right to use these powers if they are only way we can secure attendance."

Darlington Borough Council is to implement fines for parents of pupils who have missed at least ten half-days from school in a year.