Pupils with smart devices and mobile phones
Mobile Phones and Smart Devices – all children other than those in Years 5 and 6
There is normally no need for pupils to have a mobile phone or smart device (e.g. a smart watch) on school premises.
We do accept, however, that there may be exceptional circumstances where parents see a need for their child to carry a mobile phone on their journey to and from school when they are in Years 5 or 6 (these are the year groups that parents/carers may request for their child to go home without being collected).
Given the information above, could we kindly remind you to ensure your child does not come to school with a phone or any other such device.
Where a child is in Years 5 or 6 please see the message below.
Many thanks for your support with this matter.
Mobile Phones and Smart Devices – children in Years 5 and 6
As stated above, there is normally no need for pupils to have a mobile phone or smart device (e.g. a smart watch) on school premises.
We do accept, however, that there may be exceptional circumstances where parents see a need for their child to carry a mobile phone on their journey to and from school when they are in Years 5 or 6 (these are the year groups that parents/carers may request for their child to go home without being collected).
Given the information above, we have reminded all our children in Years 5 and 6 about expectations on bringing a phone or associated device into school.
We have made it clear to children that bringing a device into school is a privilege and not a right.
Teachers have discussed School expectations with their classes and the routines we expect them to follow. We have informed all children in Years 5 and 6 that: mobile phones, and any connected devices (e.g. smart watches) are not to be used in school at any time; all children must turn off their devices before coming on site and not turned on again until after leaving the school grounds. If there is an instance where a child is not following this it may be that their permission to bring a phone to school is withdrawn for a period of time or entirely.
Devices are stored in a class box through the day and given back out by the Class Teacher at home time. In the morning and at home time, myself and Mr Boulton are around the gates and will be checking that phones are kept switched off and away until they are off site.
On the gate this morning (Friday 23rd April) I was pleased to see that the Year 5 and 6 children I saw were following this and acting responsibly – it is lovely to see them not staring at a phone screen!
I hope you will agree that this helps ensure the children learn the responsibility of having such a device.
Many thanks for your support with this matter. I hope you and your family are enjoying the current lovely weather and that the easing of lockdown restrictions is proving to be a positive experience. Please remember to follow national guidance and keep safe.
Mr Hanley
Headteacher