THE level of truancy is improving across Cheshire West and Chester according to new figures.

The number of persistently absent children has not risen since 2007/2008 although the number of unauthorised absences has increased slightly in Ellesmere Port primary schools.

In the town, unauthorised absences have gone up 0.03% in primary schools, but has decreased by 0.06% in secondary schools.

Since taking charge exactly a year ago, Cheshire West and Chester Council is satisfied with the results.

A spokesman said: “A great deal of hard work goes into improving figures for persistent absence and we are in line with national figures. Overall our result is good and heading in the right direction.

“Schools work hard to tackle the problem and initiatives include having in place a system to contact parents on the first day of absence for identified pupils who are not in school and for whom the school has not received an explanation for their absence.

“The Education Welfare Service work in partnership with schools in addressing serious concerns. Truancy initiatives have been carried out this year – as in previous years – where a number of officers visit homes.

“There are also meetings in school with parents and pupils, referrals to other agencies, one-to-one work with pupils and multi-agency meetings and where appropriate child protection meetings.”

Despite the council’s contentment with the figures, its spokesman warned families who could be fined for failing to control children.

He said: “There are also parental prosecutions through the magistrates court which include fines of up to £2,500 and a custodial sentence of up to three months.”