IN response to the article entitled "Truants' Parents to Face Prison" (March 15) I would like to point out that although police officers are entitled to stop people and ask them if they are out of school 'without authority', they should bear in mind that children do not legally have to attend school (although they must be educated).

Section 7 of the 1996 Education Act states: The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him

to receive efficient full-time education suitable (a) to his age, ability and aptitude, and (b) to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at

school or otherwise.

Under section 16 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 the police have powers to remove truants from public places and to take them either to school or to some other premises designated by the local authority.

However it should be noted that:

Truants may not be removed from anywhere at any time, but only from

An area specified in advance, during a period specified in advance

In order to take you away the police must have 'reasonable cause to believe' that you are 'absent from a school without lawful authority'.

Recent research suggests that around 50, 000 children are educated by parental preference outside the schooling system -- it would be a pity if they were to be accosted by police officers and/or education welfare officers just for going about their business.

Further information can be obtained from Education Otherwise, PO Box 7420, London, N9 9SG www.education-otherwise.org

Beverley Young

Trustee

Education Otherwise