Unauthorised Absence 

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.

Daily Opening Times

School start time - 8:45 am

School finish time - 3:15 pm

How do I report my child's absence?

Please call the school on each day of absence stating the reason why your child is absent. For reasons of child safety we would ask that you telephone the school before 9:00am to report any absence from school. If we do not receive a message about absence school will contact you and expect a reply the same day. 

Regular and punctual attendance at school is a legal requirement and a responsibility shared by parents/carers and the school. If your child's absence falls below 90% you will be advised of this by letter from the Headteacher. If your child's attendance falls below 85% the Education Welfare Officer will be informed. 

Can I take my child on holiday during school time?

Changes in legislation from September 2013 means that school is no longer able to routinely authorise term time holidays for children. Parents requiring leave of absence in exceptional circumstances for their child can apply to the Headteacher who will contact the local authority for advice. 

This is Government policy and parents who take their children on holiday without permission will incur unauthorised absences for their child. These remain on the child's record and will be monitored for further action by the Education Welfare Services. Parents could be issued with a fixed penalty notice and/or court action for unauthorised leave or holidays.