Parents could face a fine or prosecution if they take their children out of school for even half a day without permission following a landmark ruling by the UK's highest court.

Five Supreme Court justices unanimously ruled against father Jon Platt who took his daughter to Disney World during school term-time in a decision which will have a major impact on schools and parents across the country.

In a judgment clarifying what "regular" attendance at school means, they allowed an appeal by Isle of Wight education chiefs against an earlier ruling that Mr Platt had not acted unlawfully.

The panel of judges, including the court's president Lord Neuberger, declared Parliament's intention was that the word "regularly" means "in accordance with the rules prescribed by the school".

This effectively means 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" at the judgment.

He said: "I'm pleased that they acknowledged the judgment doesn't go on to say what the school rules should be.

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

"Some have policies that mean that every day missed is a criminal offence."

Community answers

Term time holiday ruling

"The ban on parents taking their children out of school for family holidays during term time has been upheld by the Supreme Court. Is this unfair on hardworking families as travel firms hike up prices? Or are unauthorised term-time holidays a slap in the face to obedient parents who do keep to the rules? Let us know your thoughts "

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Emma Battin

What is your response?Disgrace... schools are able to call a "teacher training day" whenever they like and parents have to find childcare or use their annual leave from work at sometimes short notice. A bit of snow and schools decide they are closing, again forcing parents to either find childcare or miss work... so why doesn't this flexibility work both ways??

From Patricia King

What is your response?So now they should clamp down on holidays tripling and sometimes quadrupling in price in the school holidays!

From Karen Hennefer

What is your response?What are families meant to do when you have a business and you have to grant employees holidays first? The price of holidays are to high for families on low income but who are working very hard to provide for their children. I have two children in school and one starting college. Their holidays run different to schools in some areas.

From Michelle Jones

What is your response?What am I supposed to do? Gone to book holidays at work to find none available during school holidays. They won't even allow me to take any unpaid holidays either so do I have to forfeit a family holiday? My girls are never off, 100% attendance nearly every year apart from 1 maybe 2 days off sometimes.

From Community contributor

What is your response?I think 10 days should be allowed as an important part of growing up is having family holidays but most can't afford the price in term time.

Mr Platt's case now has to return to the magistrates' court in the light of the ruling on Thursday.

He said he had "no intention" of pleading guilty when the case goes back to the court.

Lady Hale, announcing the decision, emphasised the case was not about what the rules should be "or how much discretion the headteacher should have to authorise absence".

She added: "That is a matter for the appropriate authorities."