Travel cost cut would be ‘class’

While education chiefs may be celebrating the news that a father has lost a landmark legal battle at the UK’s highest court over taking his daughter to Disney World during school term-time, many parents will find the decision disappointing. Five justices at the Supreme Court unanimously allowed an appeal by education chiefs against an earlier ruling that Jon Platt had not acted unlawfully. Mr Platt, who took his daughter on family trip in April 2015 without the school’s permission, was prosecuted by Isle of Wight Council after he refused to pay a £120 penalty. But local magistrates found there was no case to answer. Two High Court judges in London later upheld the magistrates’ decision, declaring Mr Platt was not acting unlawfully because his daughter had a good overall attendance record. But yesterday the High Court ruled in the council’s favour. The ruling effectively means mothers and fathers should not take their child out of lessons at any point without the headteacher’s approval. Prime Minister Theresa May said after the ruling that the justices: “recognised the importance of children being in school and getting the most out of their education”. While nobody wants to see children deprived of vital schooling, the decision by parents to take children out of class in term time is understandable – just look at the difference in price when it comes to booking holidays in the summer as opposed to other times of the year. Surely travel firms can do more to make summer breaks more affordable. After all, it is the one time of the year when families can spend precious time together – something which has long been encouraged.