Becomng a Phone-Free environment
From Wednesday 2nd September we will become a phone–free environment for pupils in Years 7 to 11. This change is designed to support learning, wellbeing, and promote a calmer school day for everyone, taking away the temptation to use phones during the school day.
How the new system will work:
- Every pupil will receive a secure phone pouch which becomes part of their daily equipment needed for school. It is important that they look after this carefully as they will need to be returned to school when they leave in Year 11.
- When they arrive at school, they should switch off their phone, place it in the pouch, and lock the pouch before entering the site.
- Pupils with a medical condition that necessitates access to their mobile phone (type 1 diabetes, wearing shunts or pacemakers, some hearing aids) will be supported through their Individual Health Care Plan. They will be permitted to access their phone solely for approved medical purposes. We will be in touch with these parents separately.
- Members of the senior leadership and pastoral team will be present at each entrance from 8:10am when school opens, to help ensure the process runs smoothly.
- Pupils who arrive before 8:10am should only be on site for breakfast club and will need to enter through reception, where their pouch will be checked.
- At the end of the day, unlocking stations will be available around the site. Unlocking the pouch is quick and simple, and we do not expect this to delay pupils leaving school.
- Pouches should be locked overnight to prevent damage to the pouch.
- Students can take their phones on sports fixtures, residentials and events after school and must adhere to staff instructions issued on that specific outing regarding their permitted use of them.
Why we are introducing this change
- The Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner has launched an initiative encouraging all Cheshire schools to become phone–free by September 2026.
- The Department for Education has also announced that new guidance will require schools to restrict mobile phone use during the school day beyond what we currently have in place. In the latest news, the government has said it will be introducing a legal ban on smartphones in schools in England moving forwards.
- Our visits to local schools already using this system have shown clear benefits: improved focus, better learning, and a calmer atmosphere.
- Research shows that this will support pupils’ mental health and help them achieve their very best. Although pupils are already expected to keep phones switched off and out of sight, we know this can be challenging. Many pupils have told us that phones can be a distraction, and this new approach will help remove that pressure. Lots of parents have also told us this.
How will it work?
Each student will be assigned a Yondr pouch —a secure, lockable case for storing personal devices. Students are responsible for bringing their pouch to and from school each day and keeping it in good condition.
Upon arrival: Students power off all smart technology including their mobile phones and smart watches, air pods or similar and place all devices in the pouch and lock it in front of a teacher.
During the day: Students keep the locked pouch on them, in their bag or locker.
At dismissal: Students unlock pouches at designated stations to retrieve their devices.
This process is quick, simple, and will be supervised by staff as part of our daily routine.
Contacting your child during the school day
If you need to reach your child urgently, please contact the school office on 01270 765031 as you do now. We will ensure messages are passed on promptly. We will be ensuring that there is adequate capacity to answer phone calls. If your daughter needs to urgently speak to a parent during the school day they can use a landline phone in the pastoral hub (or The Bridge if allocated a keyworker) during break, lunchtime or after school.
What happens if a pupil does not follow the policy?
Our aim is for this policy to work well for everyone. We believe in transparency so that everyone involved knows and understands the expectations.
- If a pupil does not place their phone in the pouch, or deliberately damages their pouch, their phone will be confiscated and kept in the school’s safe. It will be returned at the end of the following school day.
- Additional phones (more than one) should not be brought into school.
- Forgotten pouches will be treated as missing equipment and their phones will be locked in the school safe for the day, to be collected at reception at 3.15pm
- Phones confiscated on a Friday will be returned on Monday at the end of the day. Phones confiscated on the last day of term can be collected by an adult at the end of the day.
- Pupils who fail to follow the policy will receive further consequences.
- Lost or damaged pouches will need to be replaced immediately by parents at a cost of £20.
We know that change takes partnership — and we're here to support a smooth transition for your family. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create a focused, present, and positive school environment for every student.
