MUM, 33, IN COURT AFTER KIDS MISS 149 SCHOOL DAYS

A MOTHER has been hit with a £378 court bill – after two children ‘ruling the roost’ at home missed 149 days of school.

One of the pupils has missed 116 days at Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy, in Blurton, while the other has had 33 unauthorised absences at the same school.

Mum Stephanie Jones, aged 33, of Dorcas Drive, Blurton, has admitted being a parent of the two children who failed to attend school regularly when she appeared at North Staffordshire

Justice Centre. The offences related to a three-month period earlier this year.

The court heard that Stoke-ontrent City Council had offered support to the family. One of the children had ‘made a little bit of improvement’ in their school attendance but had still been arriving at school ‘very late’ on occasions.

Referring to the other child, prosecutor Michaela Hill said: “She said she felt sick every time she goes to school and it was suggested that she be taken to the GP for medical assistance or mental health support.

“The girl’s father felt that she could not have mental health issues due to her age and he said his children chose to stay at home.

“He described the children as ruling the roost and had no authority over the children, who had no respect for him as a parent.”

Magistrates handed Jones a £120 fine and ordered her to pay £210 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.