Oxfordshire County Council says that since it took court action against mother Patricia Amos, attendance has improved.

Mrs Amos, from Banbury, was jailed for 28 days in May, for failing to ensure her two daughters regularly attended school.

The council says the threat of court action is part of a wider strategy to deal with truancy.

Keith Mitchell truancy must be taken seriously

Roy Smith, the acting chief education officer said: "We have seen some resounding successes this term.

"There have been dramatic turn arounds with some pupils who were totally disaffected.

"Nevertheless the fact remains that in the minority of cases where we meet significant problems, we will not hesitate to turn to the courts."

Persistent truancy

Keith Mitchell, leader of the council, said: "The message is obviously getting through.

"We will continue to take very seriously any irresponsibility on the part of parents who allow their children to play truant."

The government are now warning parents who fail to stop their children playing truant that they will be "fast tracked" to the courts.

A pilot scheme to be run in six parts of England will give parents 12 weeks - a school term - to improve their children's attendance or face prosecution.