A Stoke-on-Trent couple have been slapped with a £348 court bill – after taking their three children out of school for a Haven Holidays term-time break.

The parents had been given permission to take two of their children out of school for the week-long break.

But they were refused permission for the third child who attends a North Staffordshire high school, refused to pay their £60 fixed-penalty notices, and were hauled before North Staffordshire Justice Centre after being prosecuted by Staffordshire County Council.

The court heard that the week-long holiday had been arranged by the children's grandfather in summer 2022. But the grandfather passed away before the holiday and they decided to still go to commemorate his memory.

The parents told the court: "After contacting Haven Holidays the only time they had available was during term time."

The court heard that none of the children fell behind with their school work during their absence and that the children have a good attendance record.

The magistrates offered a 'great deal of sympathy' to the parents.

They said: "We have a great deal of sympathy and it doesn't strike us as severe as some of the cases that come to us. You need to recognise your actions have resulted in an increased fine and as a result you are going to pay."

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