SCHOOL chiefs plan to issue parents of schoolchildren who play hookie, with electronic pagers so they can be contacted if their youngsters fail to turn up for class.

Education chiefs will issue the pagers in a pilot scheme designed to tackle growing truancy rates.

Similar schemes have been adopted in Liverpool and Manchester schools - with dramatic effects.

Parents whose children have poor attendance records will be given a pager, so that teachers can call them immediately if their child plays truant. It is hoped the scheme will deter wayward pupils from cutting class.

A county council spokesman said: "It will be piloted among children with the worst attendance records.

"Expansion of the scheme will depend on the success of trials." Ribbleton Hall High School headteacher Janet Deakin welcomed the plans.

She said: "It is a very good idea. Some parents aren't on the 'phone, or are difficult to contact during the day. Anything which helps solve erratic attendance problems is to be welcomed."

Priory High School, in Penwortham, already contacts parents of all pupils who have not registered at school 15 minutes after the morning bell.

Spokesman David Rhodes said: "Our experience shows that parents appreciate it when we contact them if their children aren't in school."

Lancashire Police welcomed the scheme but Sgt Neil Whittam of Leyland Police added: "During the day, children aren't a major problem because they tend to keep their heads down."

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