Mobile phones
Our school is mobile-phone-free!
What does this mean?
This means that mobile phones and smart devices are not allowed to be used or accessed during the school day, including break and lunchtime.
Why is the school mobile-phone-free?
Constant access to mobile phones can result in loss of focus, classroom disruption and increased bullying.
Being phone-free leads to:
- 📚 Better learning – Phones can distract from lessons and conversations.
- 😊 Better wellbeing – Phone-free time gives children space to play, talk and enjoy school.
- 🛡️ Keeping children safe – Phones can provide access to harmful content and create safeguarding and bullying risks.
- 🤝 Better relationships – We want children talking and playing with one another rather than being focused on screens.
Too much screen time can also affect socialising, exercise and good sleep.
What are the school rules regarding mobile phones?
If your child walks to or from school and you would like them to carry a mobile phone, please fill out a request form from the office.
- Only children with written permission will be allowed to bring phones to school.
- All phones need to be powered off as soon as the child enters the school site and handed to their class adult.
- Phones are stored in the classroom cupboard during the day.
- At the end of the day, or when the child is leaving, the phone will be returned to them.
- Other than if they need to immediately contact a parent, no child is allowed to use their phone on the school site.
- Taking photographs and videos is banned. This is a safeguarding risk.
Any child not following the above rules may find that they are banned from bringing a phone to school.
What if I need to contact my child?
Please contact the school office. We will make sure your child receives your message.
What if I am collecting my child from a school event at another venue?
The school adult will carry the phones and give them to the children at the end of the event.
How can I help?
Parents can delay providing their children with phones.
- If you would like your child to use a phone, buy a 'brick' phone rather than a smartphone.
- If your child has a phone, collect it every night to ensure they get a good night's sleep and are not disturbed by other children contacting them at night.
- MONITOR! MONITOR! MONITOR! You MUST regularly check the content on your child's phone to see what they are posting, seeing or receiving. Don't freely allow them to add apps until you have done your research about the risks.
If you ever see something on your child's phone that concerns you, tell us straight away.
Are there any exceptions to the mobile-phone-free rule?
Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis and only where reasonable adjustments are necessary, including for disability or medical needs.
NB The school accepts no responsibility for mobile phones that are lost, damaged or stolen on school premises or transport, during school visits or trips, or while pupils are travelling to and from school.