Early warnings that parents face court action if their children skip school have boosted attendance at 14 schools.

Education bosses today hailed the pilot scheme a success after 94 per cent of youngsters involved met their targets.

Just three children failed to do so - and their parents now face prosecution.

"In one case referred to us through the pilot project, a 14-year-old girl who had only been attending school about 40 per cent of the time is now turning up for every single class," said Madalene Lock, attendance co-ordinator.

"The project has worked extremely well. The parents and children involved have really taken on board the importance of regular attendance and realised the serious consequences of missing school. They have worked really hard to improve attendance quickly."

The three-month project involved 46 pupils, the total number referred to social workers from each of the schools during the pilot.

Social workers contacted the parents or carers of the pupil, to arrange meetings to discuss any problems and look at ways of helping to improve their child's record.

An attendance target was set in each case, and parents warned that if this was not reached in five weeks, action would follow.

"Education social workers have been able to work with families at a very early stage to look at problems affecting attendance, and find ways of solving them," Ms Lock said. "Offering help and support is an important part of the service's work."

Of the pupils seen under the pilot project, the majority achieved their attendance targets and just three failed. Prosecutions will now be taken out against their parents.

"The aim is not to punish parents but to make sure that all children make the most of their education," Madalene Lock said. "In some cases families show no interest in working with us or encouraging their children, and we have no option but to enforce the law, to give a clear message that school attendance is a serious matter."

The schools taking part are Yorkshire Martyrs, Greenhead High in Keighley, Salt Grammar, Buttershaw Upper, Bowling Community College, Parkwood Primary in Keighley, Woodend Middle, Windhill Primary, Buttershaw Primary, Great Horton Middle, Gregory Middle, Holme Middle, Rycroft Primary and Usher Street Primary.

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