Mum of truanting children was given food vouchers after spending her last money on her eyebrows

Their attendances slumped so much that mother-of-three Hayley Ridler, 34, was prosecuted for the second time.


Ridler, of Fordway, Layton, admitted three offences of knowingly failing to ensure her children’s attendance at school.


Her youngest child’s attendance was 87 per cent, the middle child 75 per cent and the eldest just 25 per cent.


The court was told how the mother received many forms of help and guidance from the schools, education authority and social services.


She received food vouchers when she spent her last money on eyebrow beauty work and when one of her children was appearing in a school play, she took her other two children to watch even though they had played truant that day.


Lynda Bennett, prosecuting for Blackpool Council, said all three children were persistent absentees from classes.


When an education welfare officer paid a visit to their home, the mother and children were all still in their pyjamas.


Patrick Nelligan, defending, said: “We all have choices in life and this mother has made some poor ones.

“She has given in to her children and has acted as their friend rather than a mother. She is on her own and has no contact or help from the father of the children, her own mother or sister.


“She now realises she has to be firm with the children and get them to school.”


Ridler was given a nine month community order which will include 20 rehabilitation days. She was fined £50 and must pay £145 costs.