A mother has been sentenced for repeatedly failing to ensure her child’s school attendance, showing a concerning lack of engagement in his education
Teesside: A mum has been sentenced again for not sending her child to school. This is her fourth time in court for the same issue, and it’s pretty concerning.
The case came up at Teesside Magistrates’ Court after her son only attended school twice in 84 days last year. Can you believe that? He missed out on so much education.
Prosecutors pointed out that the boy’s attendance was shockingly low, with absences hitting 86% and even 97% at times. It’s a tough situation for everyone involved.
Lucy Steven, who represented Stockton Council, mentioned that the mum didn’t even show up for an important meeting about her son’s attendance. There were no signs of special needs or any issues that would require social services to step in.
They tried to help with a support plan, but the boy was still absent for most of that time. Social workers and probation officers were worried about the mum’s lack of involvement.
It’s been noted that she has a history of not taking her child’s education seriously. She had three previous convictions for the same thing and was still under a community order when she appeared in court.
The mum, whose name can’t be shared for legal reasons, admitted to failing to ensure her child went to school regularly. Her lawyer mentioned that there are deeper issues in her life, like domestic violence, that might be affecting her ability to engage.
He also said she thought she wouldn’t get any more help from probation due to overcrowding in prisons. It sounds like she’s been through a lot.
The magistrates were clear about the importance of education. They told her that it’s a parent’s responsibility to make sure their kids go to school. They decided to give her another community order, this time for 24 months, with some rehabilitation days included.
They emphasized that her son’s well-being is what matters most. The court also ordered her to pay some costs. It’s a tough situation, and hopefully, she can turn things around for her child.
