"This regulation requires head teachers to deal inequitably with pupils regarding their religious observation, on days that fall within the school term, and their recorded absences."
Bob Reeves, prosecuting, told the magistrates the charges against Howitt, which originally numbered 20, had been `'rejigged" to correspond to school term times.
Education chiefs say family holidays taken during the school term are one of the most prevalent reasons for pupil absence - parents book during term time as holidays are often cheaper.