10 jailed for not sending children to school

TEN people were jailed last year for failing to send their children to school, with the number of parents prosecuted hitting an all-time high.

Figures from the National Educational Welfare Board show 94 summonses were issued against parents last year. Some 52 prosecutions, some dating from the previous year, ended in convictions.

While the NEWB does not have a final tally as to the number of parents sent to prison, it is understood at least 10 were jailed — the highest sanction available to judges — for not ensuring children attended school.