Teachers have backed new technology which could see parents being sent a text once their children have arrived at school through a smart ticketing system.

New technology meant for the transport system is designed to read commuters' tickets so they can use a form of Oyster on the train network as well as the Tube.

Once this is in place it could be possible to link it up to Oyster-style machines at schools which, when touched, would send an automatic message to parents' mobile phones, improving both attendance and peace of mind.

Teachers are united in hoping the idea and the potential for the new technology is more than just wishful thinking.

Rukhsana Sheikh, the senior vice principal of Ernest Bevin College in Tooting, said: "I'll be all for it. Anything that's going to ensure the children are safe and in school is a good idea.

"Schools already have their ways of checking attendance but this would let schools know immediately, it would be quicker and easier. That's the real big thing. It's obviously going to improve attendance and cut truancy."

Douglas Fawcett, 27, a head of department from Battersea, said: "In the modern age of both parents working full time it is paramount that they are secure in the knowledge that their children are safe.

"Also this would hopefully build further relations between schools, parents and the transport networks and reduce truancy."

Councillor Malcolm Grimston, cabinet member for education, said: "If it gives any extra comfort to parents then it's something worth looking into.

"It won't particularly help the schools as such as they will still need to take efforts themselves to check on attendance, but I'm always open to new ideas."

Development of the smartcard technology has been laid down by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling as one of the conditions that must be met by companies bidding for the South Western rail franchise which will start next February.

Whoever is awarded the franchise will not only have to ensure customers can use Oyster pre-pay on the overland trains but also work towards a new smartcard system which would accept Oyster cards and link with other Oyster-like schemes around the country, eventually creating one card that can be used nationwide.

Mr Darling said: "As technology advances it is vital that we ensure future passengers benefit from the improvements it can bring."

There are currently four bidders for the South Western franchise.

They are Arriva Trains South Western, First South Western, Great South Western Railway Company and the existing operator, Stagecoach South Western Trains.

The winner of the 10-year franchise will be announced this autumn.

awestbrook@london.newsquest.co.uk