St. Andrew’s CE VC Primary School is

Pupil ‘Phone Free.’

This means that a pupil’s phone should not be seen, heard or used during the school day. Pupils are not permitted to bring mobile phones or other electronic devices (such as tablets and smart watches) with them to use during the school day.

However, the school recognises that families may rely on mobile phones as a safety measure if their child travels to and from school independently.

When this is the case, pupils may bring a mobile phone with them providing the following conditions are met:

• It is a day when the child is travelling independently.
• The mobile phone is switched off.
• The mobile phone is handed over to the Head or SBM immediately on arrival at school.
• The mobile phone is stored in a secure place in the school office.
• The mobile phone is only returned to the child at the end of the school day.

When a pupil is in breach of this protocol, the following process should be followed:

• (If appropriate) a reminder of expectations and an opportunity given to comply with this protocol.
• Confiscation of the device and parents/carers advised at the earliest opportunity.
• The device will then be stored in a secure location in the school office.
• The device will only be returned to the parent/carer of the child.
• Sanctions, where necessary, may be issued in line with the school’s behaviour policy.

The Headteacher, or staff they authorise, has the statutory power to search a pupil or their possessions where they have reasonable grounds to suspect that the pupil is in possession of a mobile phone. Headteachers are backed by the DfE to confiscate mobile phones and similar devices, if they consider it proportionate, for whatever length of time they deem proportionate.

The Headteacher will advise families of the school’s protocols regarding mobile phones on an annual basis. This protocol will also be available on the school website.

When a pupil joins in reception or mid-year, parents will be advised of the school’s approach to mobile phones as part of the induction process.