THE school attended by missing ten-year-olds Lisa Hoodless and Charlene Lunnon was coming under increasing criticism last night for failing to inform the parents of their absence.

As police continued to search for the youngsters, concern was growing that the alarm had not been raised earlier.

Lisa and Charlene failed to turn up at Christ Church School, St Leonards, on Tuesday morning, but their parents had no idea they were missing until 4.30pm.

Lisa's mother, Julie Hoodless, said yesterday she was angry she had not been informed by the school.

And last night Hastings MP Michael Foster called for new legislation forcing head teachers to inform parents as soon as pupils fail to arrive.

The MP said: "I think it is vital that heads of primary schools should notify parents if their children do not attend school."

He is now seeking a meeting with Education Minister Estelle Morris to see if new guidelines can be issued.

Mr Foster said: "I shall be asking the Education Minister to issue guidelines to ensure unexplained absences are investigated."

The school had failed to follow county council guidelines, which state parents should be contacted on the first day of absence.

An East Sussex County Council spokesman said: "Schools are advised to contact parents on the first day where appropriate, especially where there is a record of poor attendance."

But she added: "In this case, there was nothing to supposethere was anything untoward."

School head AnneHanney said: "We follow up all absences, but you cannot do it in the same day.

"It would have been an ordinary absence until we were informed after school."

Further guidance is due to be issued tomorrow urging schools to inform parents, wherever possible, on the first day of a child's absence.

Police were continuing to search for the children last night.

Other worried parents were taking extra precautions as they collected their children from the school.

Those who were unable to meet their youngsters in person sent taxis to collect them instead as news of the missing girls spread through the town.

POLICE investigating the two girls' disappearance have interviewed a pupil who claims he heard them plotting to run away.

Classmate Michael Smith was questioned after telling his mother, Mandy, about their plans.

Mrs Smith, 35, said: "I know Charlene and Lisa were talking about running away because they told my son Mihhael about it.

"The police have interviewed him about it, but we still have no idea why they would want to run away, if they did."

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