Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative) on Monday, 13 December 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 December 1999. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Thursday, 16 December 1999 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what assessment he has made of reports of parents of children who persistently play truant from Fairfield School, Newcastle, being persuaded to sign documents saying that the children are being educated at home when home education is not being provided.

Answer: Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of reports of parents of children who persistently play truant from Firfield School, Newcastle, being persuaded to sign documents saying that the children are being educated at home when home education is not being provided. [102981] Jacqui Smith: We are aware of the reports of the alleged action taken by Firfield Community School concerning persistent truants. Officials are investigating these matters and I will write to the hon. Member once I have examined their findings.

Secondary information