Changes to Student Mobile Phone Use

Changes to Student Mobile Phone Use

At The Valley School, we are incredibly proud of the maturity, responsibility and good judgement consistently demonstrated by our students. Historically, mobile phone use has not presented any significant issues within the school. Students have used their devices sensibly and have responded positively to the expectations set by staff.

However, in line with statutory guidance, we must introduce revised arrangements for student mobile phones from 1^st October 2026.

Statutory Guidance

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 requires state-funded schools to have regard to this guidance when exercising their functions. This effectively gives the guidance legal force.

“All schools should be mobile phone-free environments by default; anything other than this should be by exception only.

Schools should develop a mobile phone policy that prohibits the use of mobile phones and other smart technology with similar functionality to mobile phones (for example, the ability to send and/or receive notifications or messages via mobile phone networks or the ability to record audio and/or video) throughout the school day, including during lessons, the time between lessons, breaktimes and lunchtime.”

New Procedure

Students who bring a mobile phone to school will be required to hand it to their Form Tutor during morning registration.

Phones will be placed in individually named pouches and securely stored in a locked location throughout the school day. They will be returned to students at the end of the school day before students leave the site and before taxis depart.

Students who choose not to bring a mobile phone to school will not be affected by this procedure.

 Contacting Your Child During the Day

Should a parent or carer need to contact their child urgently during the school day, the School Office will be happy to assist. Likewise, if a student needs to contact home, appropriate arrangements can be made through the School Office.