More parents are being prosecuted for failing to make sure their children go to school.

New figures show a rise in the number of parents taken to court across Essex in the last three academic years.

And this figure is set to rise even further now a new Government scheme allowing councils to fast-track prosecutions has been launched.

The newly-released figures from Essex County Council show that across the county there were 89 prosecutions in 2003/4, 119 in 2004/5, and 128 in 2005/6.

In this academic year, starting in September 2006, there have already been 31.

In Southend in 2004/5 16 parents were prosecuted, and in 2005/6 12 were prosecuted and 12 issued with fixed penalty notices.

So far this year, nine parents have been prosecuted and one parent issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Both councillors and schools have said that prosecuting parents is a last resort, but a necessary one.

Jean Alder, headteacher at Thorpe Bay School, said: "If it gets to the stage where we are having to prosecute parents, it will not normally help the attendance of that individual child.

"However, what it does do is serve as a deterrent to other parents, particularly if there is a hefty fine. Prosecution always has to be a last resort, but if that is what it takes, then it has to be done."

Huw Williams, deputy headteacher at Shoeburyness High School, said: "At Shoeburyness, the majority of parents do work closely with the school.

"In a small minority of cases, in connection with the local authority, parents have been prosecuted, if it is deemed to be the only option left.

"We try and talk to parents about the absences before this happens."

However, this last resort looks set to be used more quickly now the Fast Track to Prosecution framework has been implemented.

It was piloted by the Department for Education and Skills in nine local education authorities four years ago, then widely introduced to schools in September last year.

Generally, parents are told the targets they must meet in relation to their child's attendance over a set timescale, usually 12 weeks.

If they fail to meet these, they then face prosecution.

Councillor Sally Carr, portfolio holder for children and learning services at Southend Council, said the borough would crack down on parents that weren't behaving responsibly.

She said: "Southend is definitely an authority that will prosecute parents if their children are not going to school. Most schools have an effective plan to deal with unauthorised absences, but if there is still a problem, parents will be prosecuted."

Councillor Tracey Chapman, cabinet member for children and families for Essex County Council ,said the council tried to address the issues behind truancy before any prosecution.

She said: "Obviously we would rather see the children in school, with support from the parent, than resort to prosecution. However, in some instances we are left with no option.

"Every case is assessed on its individual circumstances and Essex education welfare officers seek to work with families to improve school attendance by offering strategies, advice and support."