“MOTHERS appear in court for allowing truancy”, Guardian, October 21. How does a mum or dad get a 15-year-old to school if they don’t want to go? Why are we treating young people of 16 and 17 like children?

I was working at 15 and annoyed that I missed 14 by a couple of years, and still am.

I’ve spent five decades with children and young people, including a spell in a high school.

Forced attendance helps no-one, especially the teachers compelled to ‘teach’ pupils who don’t want to be there.

Come on Cheshire West and Chester, you can take a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.

BRYAN DEARDEN Cuddington