GAZETTE & HERALD: THE mother of a ten-year-old Corsham truant who has skipped school more than 100 times in the last eight months said she is desperate to control her daughter.
The concerned mother, who can't be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to failing to send her child to school at Chippenham magistrates on Tuesday.
But she said she is determined for her daughter to get back on track and get a good education.
"I would like to know what help I can get. She needs her education. I understand that," the 34-year-old mother said. "Her behaviour is only to do with school. She doesn't have tantrums any other time.
"She's a very strong-willed little girl. She's not a naughty girl but when she gets things into her head I don't know what to do."
The court heard that between September 9 2004 and January 28 this year the girl was registered at a Corsham primary school but attended only 34 sessions out of a possible 180.
Her mother was given a conditional discharge and a parenting order for one year, which will give her support and teach her how to control her daughter. She must also pay £50 court costs.
The girl's father, who lives in London, will be dealt with separately.
Carole Sachdev, representing the education department, said the mother had given reasons such as lack of control over her daughter's behaviour, health problems and separation issues for her poor attendance.
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