There is no need for pupils to bring a mobile phone to school. Urgent messages for pupils can be phoned through to the school office on 0207 435 9089. These will be passed on by the admin team and class teacher.
We would prefer it if pupils did not bring mobile phones to school with them at all. This is to prevent the following:
- Opportunities for inappropriate use during school time e.g. cyberbullying
- Loss of device or damage to device
- Accidents as pupils walk to and from school e.g. crossing the road without looking
- Unnecessary administration for staff
The only pupils that may bring a mobile phone to school are those in Year 5 & 6 whose parents have given them permission to walk home alone. However, parents should consider carefully whether the mobile phone just provides a false sense of security.
Where parents insist on giving their child a mobile phone it will be will be collected from them on arrival and returned to them as they leave the premises.
Pupils that are found to have concealed a mobile phone and taken it into class will face disciplinary action. The nature of the action will depend on whether or not the device was used and how it was used.
School staff may ask pupils and parents about images, messages or names that appear on their child’s mobile screen when they are in the school’s possession. This will only be done if there is a safeguarding concern e.g. an inappropriate image.
Staff will not seek to access information on any mobile phone without due cause and without the pupil’s parent being present.
The school will accept no responsibility for the damage or loss of any mobile phone or similar device.
Parents’ Responsibilities with regard to mobile phones
- All mobile phones should be labeled with the child’s name, so staff know who to return them to or who to address any concerns to
- Parents should call the school office on 0207 435 9089 during school hours, not their child’s mobile phone .
- Parents should ensure that there is nothing offensive on the their child’s mobile phone e.g. inappropriate background screens.
- Parents should not provide pupils with alternative devices that have the same capabilities as a mobile phone – messaging, ability to record sound, photograph or film. These will be confiscated an returned to the parent, if they are found in class.
- Pupils should know who will be collecting them after school before they arrive. Uncertainty regarding pick-up unsettles pupils and impacts on their ability to learn.
- Pick-up arrangements should not be made via mobile phone directly to pupils at the end of the day, as this makes it difficult for staff to ensure that pupils are being dismissed safely.
