How does the Pupil Watch Team assist parents?

The Pupil Watch Team also stops children seen with parents.  If your child is away from school for a reason authorised by the head teacher, we confirm this with the school and note your child's details.

You will know we are the Pupil Watch team because we are accompanied by a uniformed police officer.  All have photo identification and any returns to home or school are in a marked pupil watch or police vehicle.

Some parents we stop are condoning their child's absence from school.  Some reasons for this include:

• to go shopping;

• to collect relatives from the airport;

• it is their child's birthday.

These parents are denying their child the right to an education and breaking Section 444 of the Education Act 1996.  This could lead to a fine of up to £2500 or a prison sentence.

If you are having difficulty getting your child to attend school regularly contact the Education Welfare Service.

If we stop you and your child has no school place, we will refer you to someone who can assist you to return your child to education.

• The Pupil Watch Team is there to help you and your child.