Parents accuse school of intimidation as it says police will be sent to check on absent pupils

Parents have accused a high school of intimidating families by threatening to send police to check on absent pupils.

Mums and dads with children at Mossley Hollins High School, in Mossley, Tameside, were sent a newsletter on Friday, with part of it warning them about future 'attendance home visits'.

It explains that every half term there will be specific 'days of action where unannounced home visits will be carried out' and 'even if your child has only been absent for that day' you may well receive a visit.

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And just in case parents were in any doubt as to how serious the school is treating the issue, it warned that police could also be calling at pupils' doors.

"The police will also be supporting the school in carrying out home visits for students who are absent from school," states the letter. "During each term there will be specific days of action where some of our local police will be joining our attendance team in making home visits."

It goes on to state that parents whose children are 'absent for a genuine illness' need not worry, adding: "This is just another part of our work in ensuring that our attendance continues to be very strong and children get the education to which they are fully entitled."

But it's not gone down well with some parents, who say the school is going too far and a warning like this is 'a bit rich' on the same week when further teacher strike days are planned.

One mum, who shared details of the letter on social media, said: "I’m positive that parents who are already stressed by their children being off school when they are sick and unable to attend are not being helped by such intimidating harassment tactics."

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