Summer Holiday Closure The school is now closed for the Summer Holidays. We would like to thank all of our pupils, families, staff and the wider community for their support throughout the academic year. We wish everyone a safe, happy and enjoyable summer break. The school will reopen to pupils on Wednesday 2nd September 2026. During the holiday period, school staff will not be available as normal. However, if you have an urgent matter relating to the school, you may contact the Headteacher:
Login

CARDINHAM SCHOOL AND NURSERY

Where potential is nurtured and futures are inspired  

Education that goes beyond the curriculum

Attendance

Attendance at Cardinham School

At Cardinham School, we believe that good attendance is one of the most important factors in helping children achieve their full potential. Children who attend school regularly are more likely to make strong academic progress, develop positive friendships, feel a sense of belonging and enjoy their learning experiences.

Every day in school matters. Learning builds over time and lessons are carefully sequenced so that children develop knowledge and skills progressively. Missing school can make it more difficult for children to keep up with learning, participate fully in school life and develop confidence in the classroom.

We work closely with families to promote excellent attendance and to support children in attending school regularly and punctually. Our aim is to create a positive culture where attendance is valued and celebrated.

We Promote Good Attendance By:

  • Creating a welcoming and nurturing environment where children enjoy coming to school.
  • Celebrating and recognising good attendance.
  • Monitoring attendance regularly.
  • Working in partnership with families when concerns arise.
  • Providing support and guidance where attendance difficulties occur.
  • Encouraging children to develop positive habits and routines.

Working Together

We understand that there may occasionally be unavoidable reasons why a child cannot attend school. When difficulties arise, we encourage parents and carers to contact us as soon as possible so that we can work together to provide appropriate support.

By working together, we can help ensure that every child benefits from the high-quality education, opportunities and experiences available at Cardinham School.

Further information can be found in our Attendance Policy, available below.

Attendance Policy

 

 

If your child is absent from school without authorisation, you will be committing an offence under the Education Act 1996. We may submit a request to Cornwall Council for a Penalty Notice to be issued, in accordance with Sections 444A and 444B of the said Act. Penalty Notices are issued per liable parent, per child and each carry a fine of £80 if paid within 21 days or £160 if paid after this but within 28 days.

If your child is further absent from school without authorisation within any 3-year period, you will be committing a further offence under the Education Act 1996. We may submit a request to Cornwall Council for a Penalty Notice to be issued, in accordance with Sections 444A and 444B of the said Act. Penalty Notices for a second offence are issued per liable parent, per child and each carry a fine of £160, payable within 28 days. Importantly, fines per parent will be capped to two fines within any three-year period. Once this limit has been reached, other action such as a parenting order or prosecution will be considered. 

Failure to pay the Penalty Notice may also result in legal action. If you are prosecuted and attend court because your child has not been attending school, you could get a fine of up to £2,500. Cornwall Council may also apply for the costs incurred in taking the matter to Court, including legal costs.

 Absence not authorised by the school may also result in a prosecution in the Magistrates’ Court under Section 444(1) or Section 444(1A) of the Education Act 1996, leading to a fine of up to £2,500 and/or a custodial sentence. Again, Cornwall Council may also apply for the costs incurred in taking the matter to Court, including legal costs.

Money raised from fines is only used by the local authority to cover the costs of administering the system, and to fund attendance support. Any extra money is returned to the government.