Mum back in dock after 14-year-old daughter's school attendance slumped to just 26 per cent

Ivona Kemska, 42, was offered English lessons and one-to-one help to assist her budget in the package prepared by her local authority.

But the mother-of-three was in court yesterday after her 14-year-old daughter’s school attendance slumped to just 26 per cent.

Kemska of Grovesnor Street,B lackpool, admitted failing to ensure her child’s attendance at school when she appeared at Blackpool Magistrates Court.

It was her second conviction for the same offence in less than a year. The first involved all three of her children.

Despite the offer of the free English lessons, Kemska needed an interpreter to follow the latest proceedings.

The court heard how she and her family had no co-operated with the multi thousands pound assistance package.

It included:

*Language courses

*Free school transport

*Free school uniforms

*Personal support professionals

*One to one budget advisor

*Youth therapy for the children

*Personal employment advisor for the mother

*An individual therapist for the 14-year-old girl

*Chill out cards for the girl so she decide when she needed a break from classes.

Blackpool Council prosecutor Sharon Davies said Lemska and her family had turned their backs on the package.

She said: “The authority has spent months trying to get this child to attend classes. She has even been offered to trips to school in the evenings when the school is empty so she can get used to the place.”

Kemska told the hearing that she was on benefits. She told the judge: “My daughter has been ill but when she goes to the doctors they won’t always give us an official letter to give to the school.”

Judge Jeff Brailsford told her: ”Do you realise she is missing virtually all her education?”

Kemska was fined £120 and was ordered to pay £150 costs.