A Carmarthen mother has been prosecuted for failing to ensure that her 15-year-old son attended school regularly.
The mother pleaded guilty at Carmarthen Magistrates Court today to the offence.
Rhian Young, prosecuting on behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council, said that the boy’s attendance at school fell way below acceptable levels this academic year and there was no medical reason.
The education welfare officer was told each time by the mother that she was unable to get her son into school and he said he did not want to go. The school had offered an alternative curriculum, provided that his attendance improves and he demonstrates commitment, and a reduced timetable. All support had been declined.
“Out of 92 school days he attended two and had 88 unauthorised absences and two authorised absences,” she added.
The mother told the court that her son had had an operation and been offered home schooling but they were not contacted about it. Nothing was said about a medical note. It had been a difficult year.
She said she would get her son up for school but later receive a text that he was not there and would be unable to contact him, she added.
The mother was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £54 costs and a £15 surcharge.
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