Truancy

The government is pledging tough action as part of a new drive to tackle the problem of truancy.

It is estimated that nearly half a million pupils miss school every day despite government schemes costing £885 million.

The latest drive will target serial truants, who now face a range of new measures including parenting contracts, penalty notices and "fast track" prosecution.

Government Response: Department for Education and Skills

Derek Twigg, schools minister, said: