748 sessions of truancy in Island schools

The government says children missed almost a year's worth of lessons last year because of truancy.

A freedom of information request to the Department of Education and Children asked how many cases were recorded in the Island's schools in the current academic year.

The department says it recorded 748 sessions which were missed because of youngsters skipping lessons.

In its response, it says one session is half a day - either mornings or afternoons.

Minister Graham Cregeen says it could just be down to lack of communication between parents and schools: