Mobile phones in school

The Department for Education guidance on mobile phones in schools states that all schools should be mobile phone-free environments by default; anything other than this should be by exception.  In line with this guidance, and in consultation with our families, Christ Church Primary School has taken the following steps:

1. Mobile phones for Year 5 and 6 pupils

From September 2026, we will no longer allow our Year 5 and 6 pupils to bring a smartphone to school.  For all other year groups, the expectation remains the same that no phones must be brought to school.

The term 'smart' indicates a phone that has the ability to access the internet and make use of 'Apps'.

From September 2026, our Year 5 and 6 pupils (whose parents wish them to) will be allowed to bring a non-smart or 'feature' phone - often called a 'brick' phone - to school.  These phones have the ability to text and make calls but must not have WiFi or internet access.  We understand that some families want to provide this level of security for children walking to/from school alone. 

Children will continue to be required to have their phone in at the start of the school day and it will be returned at the end of the school day.

There is a new Acceptable Use of Mobile Phones Agreement for pupils which includes a permission slip that families need to return in order for pupils to bring their phone onto the school site. 

The Mobile Phone Policy outlines the sanctions when the policy is not followed which may include the confiscation of the device.

2.  Photos/videos at school events

We understand that families like to record important moments in their child's school career using photos and videos.  We have not made the decision to ban the use of photography during events but we are aware of an increased number of families who choose not to share images of their children.  We have always asked families to ensure that photos and videos are not shared on social media but are aware that this is not always the case and it is our safeguarding duty to protect children at our school.

During class assemblies, shows and events, you will be asked to consider whether you need to record or photograph the whole event.  We ask that you take the moment to be present for your child and that a photograph/video can be taken after the event when we can ensure children who do not have photo permission are moved away or not present.

3.  Mobile phone use on the school site

We ask that all parents, carers, families and visitors put away their mobile phones whilst on the school site.  This includes the beginning and end of the school day.

This will allow us to stand together in role modelling healthy habits to the children within our school community.

Parent Pledge

We know that parents can feel pressure from their children to purchase a smartphone.  To support our school community, we have set up a Smartphone Free Families Pledge.  We welcome families signing up to this pledge as a commitment to delaying the purchase of a smartphone for their child.

The above information was shared in a letter to families on 25th March 2026. 

Resources

The Smartphone Free Childhood movement has a wide range of resources for parents on this topic.