MOBILE PHONES IN SCHOOL

Over the last few years we have become increasingly concerned by the inappropriate use of mobile phones in school.  While we would prefer pupils not to bring their phones to school, we understand that, in exceptional circumstances, they are a useful aid in terms of the safety and welfare of your child during the journey to and from school.

We now enforce more rigorously our current rules and conditions regarding mobile phones. These are:

• Phones must be switched off and placed out of sight in a pocket or bag when pupils are inside the school building.  This rule applies to all phone functions – voice, text, camera, music etc – and will be enforced throughout the school day – lessons, breaks etc.  Pupils will however be allowed to use their phones outside the building during break and lunchtimes.
• Phones used for any purpose inside the building during the school day will be confiscated and parents asked to collect them from the school.
• The school will not be responsible for any loss or theft of mobile phones.
• The school will not investigate any loss or theft of mobile phones.

Please note that these arrangements will also apply regarding the use of MP3 players and similar devices.  We trust that you understand the reasons behind the above rules/conditions.  Over the last year, the inappropriate use of mobile phones by some pupils has increasingly resulted in disruption to lessons and challenged the safety and well-being of others.  May we remind you that should an emergency arise during the school day when you need to contact your child, you should telephone the school office (277867). Messages will be passed onto him/her by our office staff.  Pupils are also allowed to use the school’s telephones to contact home in an emergency.