A TALENTED young artist could flop her exams because her mum failed to make her go to school, a court heard.

The 14-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was tipped to gain an A* grade in her art GCSE next summer.

Now she faces an uphill struggle to catch-up with her peers, Swindon Magis-trates Court was told yesterday.

Rosemary Bone, prosecuting on behalf of the Swindon local education authority, said the mother neglected her daughter's education and ignored the problem.

The mother pleaded guilty to failing to ensure her child attended school.

The court heard between September 2 and December 7 last year the teenager had an attendance rate of just 53 per cent.

Mrs Bone said: "Because of the girl's poor attendance steps were taken to assist the mother.

"Three home visits were made, three appointments made and one official warning given.

"The mother failed to attend the appointments which resulted in this prosecution. The girl is considered to be an excellent artist. She is capable of achieving an A* and she is on the school's gifted lift.

"It is imperative that she attends school. She has a special talent but her coursework will suffer."

In mitigation, Andrew Hobson, said his client would sometimes read classics like Shakespeare with her daughter and engaged in artwork.

But he admitted the girl's education has been on a very "ad-hoc" basis.

Mr Hobson argued that money problems and a marital breakdown had a substantial part to play.

"The reasons for that are varied. There were very severe financial problems during that period and she became embarrassed that she could not afford to pay for school dinners and trips.

"There is also a more deep seated reason. My client's relationship with her husband broke down after their daughter was born.

"I also understand that the child found it hard to settle in when she first arrived at the school and there may have been some bullying."

Sentencing, Dick Mattick, who is also Swindon secretary of the teaching union, NASUWT, said a 12-month conditional discharge was appropriate in this case.

But he warned: "You can be brought back we hope that you will focus your mind on her education."

The mother was ordered to pay £50 costs.

He said: "My client has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and was previously of good character.

"She has admitted that she has failed in her legal obligation to send her child to school.

"Recently, he has gone from being a man who was hardworking to a man who is a recluse and a burden on the two ladies - my client and their daughter.

Kevin Shoesmith