More than 560 penalty fines were issued by Sutton Council to parents who took their children out of school during the last school year.

The number of penalty notices issued was the highest in three years, with 440 and 513 being issued in 2014/15 and 513 respectively. Fines will leave parents £60 out of pocket is they make the payment within 21 days, but will rise to £120 if it is paid between 21 and 28 days.

If fines are not paid a decision is taken on whether to prosecute for failing to ensure regular school attendance.

The new guidelines were introduced in 2013 by the Department for Education to crack down on school absences.

A spokeswoman for the Local Government Association said: “An LGA spokesperson said: “Councils have a legal responsibility to make sure children attend school regularly, and where children have been removed from lessons in anything other than ‘exceptional’ circumstances, have been issuing fines to parents in accordance with clear Department for Education guidance. The recent High Court ruling has, however, created significant confusion.

“Schools and councils must not be left in any doubt about the law, and must be trusted to do what is best for children. We need swift clarification of the position for everyone, so that head teachers have the confidence to approve or reject requests for term-time leave, backed up by strong guidance and a clear legal framework.

“Councils fully support the Government’s stance on every child being in school every day, but there are occasions when parental requests should be given individual consideration and a common sense approach applied. Head teachers know what’s best for their pupils, and they must be supported to take those decisions with confidence.

“Of course, where there is a culture or pattern of under-attendance, head teachers must be supported to refuse requests, and they must have a clear framework to work within to tackle persistent absence. The clarity we’re seeking from the Government must consider both the needs of families to spend time together, and the critical importance of children being in school so that they can achieve the best possible results to prepare them for their future.”

A Sutton Council spokesperson said: "Currently Sutton Council manages pupil attendance issues by following guidance issued by the Department for Education."

Have you been fined for taking your children out of school? Email newsdesk@suttonguardian.co.uk