Mobile Phones In School

Highcliffe Primary School is committed to creating a safe, positive and focused learning environment for all our children. In line with updated Department for Education guidance, we will be introducing a revised mobile phone procedure from the start of the new academic year.

We recognise that mobile phones can provide reassurance for families, particularly when children travel to and from school independently. However, we also want to ensure that phones do not distract from learning, social interaction or children's wellbeing during the school day.

Any pupil who brings a mobile phone to school will be required to:

• Hand their phone to a member of staff on arrival at school.
• Ensure the phone is switched off before it is handed in.
• Collect their phone at the end of the school day before leaving school.

To further support a safe and distraction-free environment, mobile phones must not be switched on or used until pupils have left the school site at the end of the day.

All phones handed in will be stored securely throughout the school day. While we will take every reasonable precaution to keep devices safe, pupils bring mobile phones to school at their own risk. We also remind parents that smartwatches are not allowed in school. These devices can distract from learning and, in many cases, have communication and internet access, which conflicts with our safeguarding expectations.

We actively support the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign, which provides valuable guidance for families on protecting children from the risks associated with early smartphone use. More information can be found at: www.smartphonefreechildhood.org

We appreciate your support in helping us implement this change. By working together, we can ensure that children remain focused on their learning and enjoy positive interactions with their peers whilst still having access to their phones when travelling to and from school.