Calls have gone out for negligent parents to be ordered to attend mandatory parenting classes in a bid to ensure children are never put at risk again.

Children's charity the Coalition for the Protection of Children and Government MP Dale Butler said a support service should be in place for those parents who have failed in their responsibilities.

They spoke out after two parents appeared in Family Court earlier this week charged with neglect. They admitted abandoning their two sons in their car for three hours while they sat in a nearby bar.

The parents, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were bound over to keep the peace for six months. If they do not re-offend within that time, their records will be wiped clean.

But director of the children's charity Kit Swainson said it was not good enough to simply finish with the case.

She said there should be steps in place, such as mandatory parenting classes, to ensure parents are monitored and trained and the children's safety is assured.

Both Mr. Butler and Ms Swainson appealed for the law to be changed to allow judges and magistrates the power to demand that parents attend the classes, or face further punishment.

And they said even if the parents appeared to be responsible overall, if they have failed to look after their children properly just once, they should be made to attend special classes.

Ms Swainson said it was better to be safe than sorry.

She said: "It was stated that the family who abandoned their children in their car did not get any further intervention.

"That begs two questions: How could it have been excusable or seen as good parenting that two young children were left in a car, and we must think about what kind of intervention would be appropriate here.

"I think mandatory parenting classes could be a viable option.'' Mr. Butler said although parents, such as these, may be hostile towards the classes at first, he was sure they would become advocates of it.

The former headteacher, who has been very vocal in his criticism of poor parenting, said it would not be a difficult system to set up.

"The classes could be a reminder to the parents about their responsibilities and also enable them to learn something.

"They could benefit greatly from it themselves, but also pass on what they have learned to their friends.

"The classes would ensure that matters, such as this one, are not just left and forgotten about. It would be a safety guard.

"There should definitely be additional support services for the child to ensure parents act in a mature way.'' And he said there were already classes on the Island, which could be used.

The couple admitted leaving their two boys, aged three and six, in their car for three hours while they drank inside The Palace Bar.

They admitted the fact in Family Court but said they had regularly gone out to check on their children.

However, passers-by became concerned and the Police were called, who arrived and broke into the car and removed the youngsters.

As a result of the case last November, Family Services were brought in and the children were removed out of their parents care for seven days.

The parents apologised to the court and said nothing like this would happen again.