Dear Parent/Carer
Mobile Phone and Device Policy at Ibstock School
Following the recent Department for Education’s update on the use of mobile phones in schools, schools across our trust have worked together to ensure we have met the expectation set out by the government. Research from the Children’s Commissioner shows the overwhelming majority of schools, 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools, already have policies in place that limit or restrict the use of mobile phones during the school day.
Over the past few weeks, I have consulted with stakeholders; thank you to staff, students and parents/carers that have given valuable feedback regarding mobile phone usage in schools. The parent forum held on Tuesday 24th March was a fantastic opportunity to talk to parents/carers about this issue, and the growing evidence base around the negative impact of phone use in schools. This feedback has allowed me, with the support of leaders, to establish an approach that is right for OUR community.
You may notice minimal change in how we operate our revised policy, but we felt it was important to review our systems and support processes as we approach 1st April 2026, when the government expects all schools to be compliant with the latest guidance. From Monday 13th April, the changes to our expectations will be a “Not seen, not heard” approach as follows:
- Learners switching off their device before they enter the school site
- Devices staying SWITCHED OFF and in bags, NOT pockets in Blazers or trousers
- Learners not switching their devices on until they have left site at the end of the day
- Phones are NOT allowed to be used during school hours
- If a phone is seen or heard it will be confiscated
For students who use their device for medical monitoring, an adaptation to the policy will be made.
We are committed to working with all stakeholders on the implementation of this policy. Although we will be adopting this policy from April 2026, we have set a date for the end of the academic year to review our procedures. We will be in contact with parents/carers during the summer term to update you on this review.
Parents/Carers play an important role in supporting the school in effectively implementing its policy on mobile phones and eliminating this form of distraction for learners in lessons, and I would like to thank you for your support at this time.
You can read the full version of our mobile phone policy HERE. Please direct any questions or queries to us at admin@ibstockschool.co.uk
Yours sincerely,
Ben White
Head of School