STRICT new guidelines for checking up on children skipping school have been given the go ahead by Bolton's education chiefs.

They have approved a tough new policy which will be sent out to all schools.

Headteachers will be told to check parents' excuses as part of a new crackdown on truancy.

Headteachers are to be given guidelines on the reasons they should accept before authorising an absence.

It says that children should not miss school for special events such as birthdays, family trips or long weekends.

The policy was announced earlier this month when Bolton became the first town in the country to set out a borough-wide policy to improve attendance.

And yesterday it was given the official backing of personal services sub committee.

Mr Barry Scanlon, assistant director of education, said: "This is a public re-instatement of the importance of school attendance.

"If pupils do not attend school, they are not going to achieve a great deal."

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