THE parents of two Worcester children have escaped a prison sentence and community punishment order after admitting failing to ensure they attended school.

The couple, both aged 42 - who cannot be named so as to protect the identity of the youngsters - were instead made the subject of a three-month parenting order, in a bid to educate them on the best ways to control their children.

They were also given a 12-month conditional discharge but if their children begin to mis lessons during the next year, they could be jailed.

The couple's appearance at Worcester Magistrates' Court yesterday was the fourth time they had been prosecuted for not ensuring their children attend school.

Out of the 88 school sessions between Monday, April 28 and Friday, July 4, last year, the older child attended just two sessions, and the younger one 22 sessions.

Richard Jones, prosecuting on behalf of Worcestershire County Council, said on one home visit by education officials after one of the children failed to attend school, the mother was asked about the youngster's wherabouts.

"She said the child was in town buying new shoes and would be in school the following day," said Mr Jones.

Joe Kieran, defending, said the children began misbehaving after their father changed jobs and was away from home.

"The brunt of the parental responsibility was borne by his wife, who suffered and became unable to cope with an escalating and increasingly demanding situation at home," he said.

"The older child clearly had problems with behavioural traits and lack of ability to be obedient or succumb to proper discipline."

The court was told that because of the behaviour, the youngster was excluded from school on a fairly regular basis.

This meant "incredible periods" were spent at home, away from school.

It seemed to be evident that a dislike to school had been formed and the youngster "became anti-establishment and anti-authority" in attitude.

He said this had a knock-on effect on the younger child. In the end their father quit his job and both children are now being disciplined more and attending school, added Mr Kieran.

"They are not feckless parents or parents who have washed their hands of the proper responsibilities attached to them," he concluded.