A TEACHING union said it is disappointed the Welsh Government plans to introduce fines to tackle persistent truancy in schools.

Welsh education minister Leighton Andrews intends to introduce the penalty, but it will be up to councils from September 1 whether or not they want to use the system.

Parents could face paying £60 if paid within 28 days, rising to £120 if paid after 28 but within 42 days, with councils retaining the option to prosecute if the fine goes unpaid.

NUT Cymru said there is a fear the policy will undermine good work already being done by schools and local authorities.

Policy officer for NUT Wales, Owen Hathway said: “The last thing we want to see is pressure on head teachers to enforce truancy fines.”