Teaching unions yesterday gave a hostile response to new plans to levy fines on parents who fail to ensure their children attend school.

The NUT claimed the move "would create an atmosphere of conflict" while David Hart, of the National Association of Head Teachers, was "not persuaded that heads should enforce the criminal law".

Charles Clarke, the education secretary, said: "All parents have to face up to their responsibilities not only to get their children to school but to make sure they behave once they are there. I know some parents need help to do that. So the new measures we will be introducing will combine sanctions with support."