A father has lost a landmark legal battle after taking his daughter out of school for a term-time holiday to Disney World, in a Supreme Court ruling that will have an impact on families across the country.

Here are the key issues in the legal battle:

What does the ruling mean?

The ruling clarifies that any parent whose child misses any time off school without permission could be fined, or even face prosecution.

Currently, many schools do take a tough line with parents who take children out of school without approval, particularly for something like a family holiday.

Your Local Guardian:

Parents across the country have been watching this case closely, and last year’s High Court ruling in favour of Jon Platt, led to a surge in term-time holiday bookings.

This was because the High Court declared Mr Platt was not acting unlawfully because his daughter had a good overall attendance record of over 90 per cent.

Does this mean I can’t take my child on holiday during school time?

The ruling may mean that some parents think twice about taking children out of school, for example for a family break, because they are now even more likely to be handed a financial penalty.

Others may still decide that it is worth paying a £60 fine in order to take advantage of cheaper holiday prices.

Why is this case so important?

Five Supreme Court judges were being asked to consider whether or not Mr Platt committed an offence by failing to ensure his daughter “attended school regularly”, as required by section 444(1) of the 1996 Education Act.

The judgment clarifies what “regular” attendance at school means.

Your Local Guardian:

The panel of Supreme Court judges have decided that Parliament’s intention was that the word “regularly” means “in accordance with the rules prescribed by the school”.

This effectively means parents should not take their child out of lessons at any point without the headteacher’s approval.

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

So who decides what the rules are on children missing school?

It’s actually down to schools to set the rules on “regular” attendance.

Most schools do have strict rules about absence, especially since the Government has issued guidance saying that pupils should not miss any lessons.

Your Local Guardian:

Giving the decision, Lady Hale emphasised that this case was not about what the rules should be “or how much discretion the headteacher should have to authorise absence”.

What is the Government’s position on this?

The Isle of Wight council has been backed by the Government in its case against Mr Platt.

In the autumn of 2013, there was a major crackdown on absence, including term-time holidays.

New rules said headteachers could only grant leave in “exceptional circumstances”. Previously, school leaders were able to approve leave of up to 10 days for “special circumstances”.

Fines for unauthorised absence were raised in 2013, with parents now incurring a penalty of £60, rising to £120 if it is not paid within 21 days.

Your Local Guardian:

Anyone who fails to pay within 28 days can face prosecution.

Do you agree with parents taking their kids out of school during term time? Add your comments below.