EDUCATION chiefs have pledged to use new powers that could see parents sent to prison if they persistently fail to send their children to school.

The decision comes on the back of the latest truancy sweep carried out in Preston last Friday, which found 60 children out of school, 58 of which were off with their parent's knowledge.

Currently, parents prosecuted for allowing their children to truant can be fined up to £2,000, but are usually only fined £150 by magistrates in Preston.

Six parents in Preston have been prosecuted since January. Last year, 26 faced court action, and in 2002, 23 parents were prosecuted.

And, using new powers under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2004, education chiefs in Lancashire have pledged to handout on-the-spot fines of up to £100 to parents who take their children on holidays during term time.

The legislation to send parents to jail in extreme cases where they are not making their children go to school has existed since 1986. But before that legislation can be enforced, the county council's education officers have to complete Police and Criminal Evidence Act training. Now, for the first time, the county council is aiming to train all officers before September.

Mr Fenton added: "I cannot stress enough how important it is that children are at school every day unless they are ill.

"Going to school affects their education further down the line and ultimately their career opportunities."

The clampdown will not apply to parents whose children are sick, or where they have prior permission from teachers to be excused.

The move has been welcomed by teachers across the city, including Roger Small, head at St Matthew's CofE Primary School, New Hall Lane.

Mr Small, who has had problems with truancy, said: "I am in favour of any measures to keep children in school, sending parents to jail is a bit extreme but it may get the message across about how important education is."

But Sarah Hoyle, 32, of Nimes Street, Preston, mother of Shaun, seven, and Faye, ten, who attend St Matthew's, believes fines are too harsh for parents taking their children on holiday during school hours.

She said: "I have taken my children on holiday in term time, sometimes it can be £1,000 cheaper.

"It would be unfair to punish parents for that."

Headteacher Mr Small added: "I do feel the fines should be more so that it really hurts parents in the pocket instead of being like a supplement on the holiday."

Councillor Clive Grunshaw, the council's portfolio holder for children and families, said: "I think there has to be a little bit of flexibility because sometimes children can benefit from being taken out of school, but a child's place is in school."