A mum and dad have been fined after their daughter clocked up more than 180 unauthorised absences from school – despite their attempts to take her there by taxi at their own expense.

The pair, who do not live together, have been spending up to £70 a week on taxis to take the teenager to the school, which is just over a mile away from her home, magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard on Monday (October 6).

The family had been offered support, including assistance from children's charity Barnardo's and a place on a minibus that could collect the girl from home on school days. But she refused to board the bus, the court heard.

The parents admitted failing to ensure she attended school regularly between January 21 and July 17 2024 and between January 17 and May 23 this year. Magistrates were told the teenager had 94 unauthorised absences during one period and 88 during the other.

Michaela Hill, prosecuting on behalf of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said a number of home visits had been carried out. A meeting was also arranged with the parents to discuss the girl's attendance.

Ms Hill added: "(The girl) was SEN registered. The academy offered a minibus to collect her because she raised that she struggled to get there and she didn't like roll call.

"Offers of support were put in place. The academy offered for her to move form group and I know the minibus did go out, but she refused to be collected on it."

The court was also told the girl was "a really nice pupil at school" and there were no issues with her when she attended. But there were concerns raised that she was "failing to reach her potential".

Mark Bromley, defending, told magistrates that there had been a "huge degree of co-operation with education and welfare" by the parents. "They both accept her attendance is unacceptable", he added.

"She's simply a girl that doesn't like school and the position has been going on for a number of years. (The father) has already been dealt with for the earlier (2024)offence, (the mother) is to be sentenced for the same offence and both are here for the new (2025) offence.

"They tried to get (her) to school – they took her by taxi every day at their own expense, and would remain to see her at the school building. That's costing £60 to £70 per week and they are both in receipt of benefits – (the mother) has a part time cleaning job.

"They will then regularly receive phonecalls from the school to explain (the girl) has locked herself in the bathroom or left the premises. (The father) will return to the school to try and help out – she mainly goes to the park.

"This couple are really trying their best to ensure (their daughter) attends school, they're taking her every day. My understanding is the staff can't physically restrain her and keep her on the premises – if she leaves, she leaves.

"Apart from non-school attendance, (she) is a well-behaved child. She simply doesn't like school.

"They have sat down and explained to her the problems it's causing for her parents and they have told her that if it continues they could both be sent to prison. She doesn't seem to understand the seriousness of the situation."

The father was fined £200 and ordered to pay an £80 surcharge and £156 costs. The mother was given a community order and fined £80, as well as being ordered to pay a £114 surcharge and £156 costs.