Mobile Phones

22 February 2024

Image of Mobile Phones

 

Dear Parent/Carer,

This week the Department for Education published guidance for schools on prohibiting the use of mobile phones throughout the school day.  

You will be aware that we already include information on mobile phones in our behaviour policy and we want to reiterate our stance that mobile phones must never be used, seen or heard in school.  Information from our behaviour policy is detailed below-

6.1 Mobile Phones

  • Pupils are not allowed to have mobile phones out on the school premises

  • Pupils must turn their phones off when on the school premises

  • Mobile phones seen on the school premises may be confiscated

  • The school reserves the right to instruct students to hand in their mobile phone

  • Confiscated mobile phones will be returned at the discretion of Head of Year/Senior Staff

  • In some circumstances, a confiscated mobile phone may only be returned to parents/carers

  • School does not accept any responsibility for the loss or theft of any mobile device

The guidance is also very clear about the role that you as parents/carers have and we ask that you take note of the information from the guidance detailed below-

Parents have an important role in supporting the school's policy on prohibiting the use of mobile phones and should be encouraged to reinforce and discuss the policy at home as appropriate, including the risks associated with mobile phone use and the benefits of a mobile phone free environment.

Where parents need to contact their child during the school day, they should be directed to the school reception.

Please do not contact your child on their mobile phone during the school day or ask your child to contact you.  

Sixth Form Students

Students in the sixth form are permitted access to their mobile phone in the common room and study centres only.  This reasonable adjustment reflects the period of education that they are at as one of increased responsibility and independence, without compromising the school's use of mobile phones for students in other year groups.  Sixth form students should not use their mobile phones in any other areas of the school, and they remain subject to the school's behaviour policy as detailed above.

Thank you in advance for your support.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Mr D Hearnden

Vice Principal