Term-time holidays blow

fined for their children’s truancy but it is thought most were for unauthorised holidays. Many parents have said it was worth the £60 fine as it is less than the hike in the price of a family break during the school holidays.

Mr Platt refused to pay Isle of Wight Council a £120 fine, arguing that the law did not apply to occasional absences, only parents who persistently take their children out of school during term time. He won his case at first but it was eventually referred to the Supreme Court.

While the case was active, Kirklees Council adjourned all similar challenges against its fines to await the Supreme Court ruling.

The council is now likely to resume all the cases that were put on hold.

In a judgement clarifying what “regular” attendance at school means, the panel of judges agreed mothers and fathers should not take their child out of lessons at any point without the headteacher’s approval.

The judges pointed out there are exceptions to that rule, which include religious holidays and sickness.

Speaking after the ruling was given, Mr Platt said he was “not at all surprised”.

He said: “I’m pleased that they acknowledged the judgement doesn’t go on to say what the school rules should be.

“Schools need to think very carefully about what these rules should be.”

Mr Platt’s case now has to return to the magistrates’ court but the defiant dad has said he has “no intention” of pleading guilty.

A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “We are aware of the court ruling and we will consider its implications before taking the appropriate action.”