Two parents facing court action over their children's school attendance have had their cases dismissed by magistrates – after a council prosecutor was not present for the hearings.

North Staffordshire Justice Centre had been due to deal with the case of a Uttoxeter dad whose son had been off school for a week and a Stafford mum whose child had missed two weeks of school.

But Staffordshire County Council did not have a prosecutor present when the hearings were called on – and the cases were dismissed.

Now the council is in talks with the court to try to establish how the mix-up occurred.

Councillor Janet Higgins, cabinet member for education, said: "The county council's solicitor was present in court on that day dealing with another matter, but was unfortunately not informed by the court that there were cases that needed attention.

"We are working with the courts to find out how this could have happened, and have asked for them to review their processes to ensure clearer communication in the future.

"Encouraging good attendance gives each child the best chance to learn and achieve their full potential. We continue to monitor school attendance and take appropriate action once a headteacher has decided that an absence is unauthorised.

"We fully support headteachers in their role when they take this decision and in challenging the small minority of parents that may choose to disregard the law."

A case against a Stoke-on-Trent mum, brought by the city council, did go ahead however. She did not attend, but the case was found to be proven in her absence.

Magistrates heard that her teenage son had attended school on just 22 occasions out of 120, with 91 unauthorised absences between April 18 and September 4 2022.

He had been assaulted at school in December 2023, the court was told, and although attempts had been made to walk him to school, he would abscond on occasion before they arrived at the gates.

Attempts were made to support the teenager back into school, but he said he felt overwhelmed about returning full time. Part time provision was put in place, which he attended "sporadically", the court heard.

The case was adjourned for sentencing at a later date.