Brighton and Hove is changing its school term dates in order to include an extended Autumn half term in the academic year 2017 to 2018.

After consultation with parents and carers earlier this year, the council decided to increase the one week break from school in October to two weeks to give families more flexibility about when they take their holidays.

Brighton and Hove’s decision comes amid controversy concerning term-time absences.

A recent High Court ruling stated children could be taken out of school for term-time holidays as long as they have a good attendance record.

However, former schools minister Nick Gibb told head teachers to ignore the ruling and continue to enforce fines on parents.

Last week West Sussex County Council dropped 18 prosecutions against parents for taking their children out of school during term time citing a ‘lack of clarity’ over the law.

‘Our policy has not changed on children being taken out of school for holidays during term-time,’ a spokesperson said.

‘We look at all referrals for Fixed Penalty Notices on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the child’s overall absences within the academic year and considering the impact on the child’s education.’

‘In light of the recent High Court case, we have found it difficult to proceed with a small number of court cases due to a lack of clarity,’ they continued.

‘We would therefore welcome further guidance from the government on this matter.’

Brighton emphasised the change in term-time dates has been made by adjustments to the start and finish of the three main terms and so the number of teaching and learning days children receive will not be reduced.

Cllr Tom Bewick, chair of Brighton’s children, young people and skills committee, said: ‘Modern families come in all shapes and sizes and the reduction in the discretion available to headteachers is damaging.

‘The introduction of a new week's holiday in term time is a positive step and I hope addresses the behaviour of travel companies who whack up prices.’