The mother of a St Albans schoolboy is outraged after the 11-year-old was told by a county council truancy officer he would have to “work harder in life” because of the colour of his skin.

Hertfordshire County Council has apologised to Rosamaria Failla, of Marconi Way, for upset caused by comments made to her son, Sonny Lewis-Failla, by a truancy officer.

In her complaint to the council, Miss Failla said her son was told: “Because you are not a white British boy, you are going to have to work harder in life to gain people’s respect and to achieve things.”

The comment was made when the former Bowmansgreen School pupil, who suffers from behavioural disorder ADHD, was visited at his home with his mother after he had been missing days from school.

Sonny’s mother spoke of her “shock” at the comment made in July to discuss Sonny’s schooling and attendance.

Rosamaria, 34, said: “I am upset and was absolutely gob-smacked at the time. The comment was ridiculous and I am confused as to why she would say something like that.

“It was highly offensive and clearly racist.

"Sonny was born in Britain and his skin colour should make no difference.

“After the meeting, Sonny didn’t say much but you could see in the way he acted the comment had really got to him and he was clearly upset.

“It has become clear to me there is no racial equality within the council and it is of great concern to me that adequate training is not being provided to those who will be, and are, involved in my son’s future.”

Sonny’s grandparents on his father’s side are from Grenada, in the Caribbean.

The truancy officer has since sent a letter of apology to Rosamaria and Sonny.

In the letter she writes: “I am sorry for any hurt or upset that I caused to Sonny or yourself in conversation at this visit.

“This was not in any way intentional and I was concerned to hear that you felt that this was the case.

“I acknowledge that the comment I made may have not been helpful and I regret any negative impact it may have had.”

Sonny has now started secondary school at Verulam School, in Brampton Road, and said he “dreaded”` his first day at his new school because of the comments.

He said: “It didn’t make me feel very nice and I didn’t feel very confident when starting a new school.”

A letter to Rosamaria from Justin Donovan, director of children’s services, said: “I understand the officer is very upset that you found her comments offensive and she has written to apologise to you.

“Nevertheless she clearly should not have made the comment she did and I understand why you are so concerned.”

Hertfordshire County Council confirmed an investigation would be taking place.

A spokesman from the county council said: “We take any such allegations extremely seriously and will be conducting a full and thorough investigation.”