THREE Bolton schools singled out for action by the Government over their truancy rates say they are working hard to reverse the trend.

Hayward School, Withins Schools and Ladybridge High School are among 198 schools across the country that are at the centre of a drive by education chiefs to reverse poor attendance records.

Harrop Fold School in Little Hulton is also named on the list.

Each of the four schools has been ordered by the Government to identify pupils who stay away from lessons and place them on 'fast track' attendance schemes.

But the schools highlighted say they are making progress to tackle unauthorised absences.

Phil Mather, headteacher of Withins School, Breightmet, said: "Attendance at the school has improved by 3 per cent. As a school we are tough on ourselves in not authorising absences.

"For example when a child is ill we will not accept just one phone call to cover that period of sickness." According to latest figures unauthorised absence at the school is 4.1 per cent, above the national average of 1.3 per cent.

Mr Mather added: "We have learning mentors in school to help those children who have problems in coming to school.

"We are following the department of education and skills action plan and have made progress."

Antony Edkins, headteacher of Harrop Fold School, said the blacklist was out of date as it dated back to figures at July 2004, when the schools truancy rate was 4.4 per cent, figures out this week showed the unauthorised absence rate was 1.7 per cent.

A total of 59 children termed as non-attenders were targeted by the school to ensure they missed no more than 12.5 sessions.

"I welcome the anti-truancy initiative it raises the issues and support is given to deal with it. Non-attendance is unacceptable and if we reach the national average then I will be happy."

Mr Edkins said that systems were now in place to keep track of the pupils, such as improved registration systems.

"My staff and I will knock on doors to find out the reason for why children are not in school. There are members of the community who will notify the school if they see pupils and we can be there in minutes."

Ian Price, Boltons principal education social worker, said that attendance records in the towns schools were at their highest.

"We are working very closely with the three schools, and they have seen big rises in attendances."

Under the fast track scheme the worst pupils will be assigned a truancy officer.

If a childs attendance does not improve within 12 weeks, court action against parents can be triggered, leading to a fine of up to £2,500 or three months' imprisonment.