Mobile Electronic Device Policy
Following the Department for Educations updated guidance that schools should be mobile-device-free-spaces, and our subsequent consultation on changes to our own policy, we are pleased to confirm that the new Mobile Device Policy for HAOC is now finalised and will come into effect on Monday 13th April 2026. Following feedback from parents/carers, students and staff it has been decided to strengthen the current ‘not seen, not heard’ policy.
What does this new policy look like?
This will mean that from Monday 13th April 2026, before a student enters school property, all mobile devices must be switched off and placed in school bags until students exit from school property at the end of the day. The policy takes immediate effect once students cross the boundary gate from Erriff Drive and applies to all areas of the school grounds, both inside and outside the building, as well as during all recreational times including before and after school, breaks and lunch times. Students are not permitted to keep their device in their pockets.
How will the rules be enforced?
If a mobile device is seen, heard, or used, whilst on school property it will be confiscated and kept securely in the school safe, where it can be collected at the end of the school day by the student’s parent/carer or nominated adult only. If this should happen a second time the device will be confiscated, and an outright ban will be in force for that student for the remainder of the academic year. That student will also be subject to random scanning/ searching during the ban period. Scanning and searching will be carried out in line with our current policy. If any student refuses to hand over their device, then in addition to an outright ban they will also receive a sanction of either a placement at another school or suspension. If a student arrives to school without a bag, they will be scanned to ensure they do not have a mobile device in their pocket.
What about Sixth Form Students?
Sixth Formers will be permitted to use their mobile devices in the Business Centre only, or as directed by staff to support a learning opportunity in a lesson. Sixth Formers will be expected to follow policy at all other times as soon as they enter school property via the pedestrian or vehicle gates.
What about students with medical needs?
Reasonable adjustments will be explored for any student who relies on their mobile device for medical tracking (ie for diabetes). This will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Adjustments must be signed off by the Principal in advance and will then be recorded on Bromcom and within the students Health Care Plan.
How are students being told about these changes?
This week each year group will have an assembly to update them on these new policy changes. Students can speak with their Achievement Leader or Pastoral Manager if they have any questions.
What do we need from you?
Ensure your child has a school appropriate bag to store items needed for lessons, and their mobile device. Please ensure your child is clear on this policy and its consequences.
The full mobile device policy can be found within the behaviour policy, by clicking HERE.
Should you have any questions that are not covered via the links above please do not hesitate to contact the school via email at info@harrisockendon.org.uk.
We would like to thank you for your feedback in the designing of this new policy, and for your support in ensuring the school can continue to maintain a calm and safe environment for all students to learn and thrive.
Why is the school updating its mobile phone and electronic device policy?
The Department for Education has revised its guidance on the use of mobile phones in schools, instructing all schools to operate as mobile phone free environments. The school believes, and feedback from families supports this, that mobile phones can be a significant distraction to learning, and cause an increase in unkind behaviour, and online conflicts. These changes aim to create a calm, supportive environment where students can concentrate fully, connect with one another, and enjoy learning without unnecessary interruption.
When will this new policy come into force?
This policy will be effective from Monday 13th April 2026. There will be no grace period. The policy will be implemented robustly from this date.
What is meant by ‘mobile electronic devices’?
For the purposes of the policy, mobile electronic devices include, but are not limited to 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 phone networks, access generative AI tools or the ability to record audio and / or video) For example, smart phones/watches, iPads/tablets, laptops, digital cameras, handheld games consoles, e-readers (e.g. kindle), AI/smart glasses, etc
What will strengthening the current policy look like, and how will these new rules be enforced?
Once on the school site all phones and electronic devices must be switch off and placed in school bags until students leave the school grounds at the end of the day. The policy takes immediate effect once students cross the boundary gate from Erriff Drive and applies to all areas of the school grounds both inside and outside the building as well as during all recreational times including before and after school, breaks and lunch times.
If a mobile phone or electronic device is seen, heard or used(*) whilst on the school grounds it will be confiscated and kept securely in the school safe, where it can be collected at the end of the school day by the student’s parent/carer or a nominated adult. If for any reason, collection at the end of the school day is not possible, the mobile phone or electronic device will be kept securely in the school safe until collection is possible. (*) By ‘used’ this means if evidence comes to light that a student has used their phone (e.g. in messaging a parent/carer) but this may not have been witnessed by staff at the time.
Sanctions will then apply as follows:
- 1st offence – device is confiscated, collected by parents / carers or nominated adult and a letter is sent home
- 2nd offence – device is confiscated, collected by parents / carers or nominated adult and an outright ban until the end of the school year with random searches / scanning during ban period
If students refuse to hand over their phone for any reason, then in addition to an outright ban until the end of the school year, they will also be subject to a sanction of either a placement at another school or suspension.
Will students be allowed their phones for travelling to and from school?
Yes. The policy will only come into force once they enter the school grounds.
Can mobile phones be kept in school bags on silent?
No. All mobile phones and electronic devices must be switched off.
What if my child doesn’t have a school bag?
Students are expected to be prepared for school and to have all necessary equipment with them each day to support their learning. Therefore, a school bag is an essential piece of equipment. If any student fails to bring their bag for any reason, they will be scanned upon arrival at school to check if a prohibited item is on their person. Prohibited items will be confiscated following the sanctions as above.
Can my child keep their mobile device in their pocket?
No. The Department for Education has made it clear that students should not have easy access to their device while in school. A device stored in a pocket would be considered easy access.
Can my child use their phone at school before lessons start in the morning, or after they end at 3.30pm?
No. If a student is anywhere on the school site, regardless of the time of day, the policy will be in effect.
My child sometimes stays after school to do homework using their mobile phone, can they still do this?
Homework can be completed using desk top computers which are available in the network area and/or library before and after school. They will not be permitted to use their mobile phone whilst remaining on the school site.
My child sometimes needs to call me after school to let me know of changes to their plans, can they still do this?
Students will need to have left the school site if they need to make a call using their mobile phone. Students are welcome to use the school phones in rare and extenuating circumstances.
How do I contact my child during the day if phones must remain switched off?
In an emergency only, families can call our main school telephone number (01708 851661) and leave a message with reception. This will then be communicated with your child as appropriate. If it is necessary for your child to call home, they will be permitted to use the school telephone at reception under the supervision of a member of staff. If the matter is not urgent, please email the school in the usual way via info@harrisockendon.org.uk.
What about students with medical needs?
Reasonable adjustments will be explored for any student who relies on their mobile phone for medical tracking (ie for diabetes). This will be on a case-by-case basis, and adjustments made that are suitable for that individual student. These adjustments will be recorded on Bromcom and within the students Health Care Plan. All reasonable adjustments must be signed off by the Principal in advance.
Will staff be held to the same expectations as students?
Modifications have been made for staff use of mobile phones to support the day-to-day operational needs of the school. When students are present staff will be expected to follow the same rules as students, unless there is a pre-determined reason, for example, taking the register, adding achievement points to Classcharts, answering on-call alerts or other ad-hoc classroom-based/operational activities.
What about Sixth Formers?
Sixth Form students will be permitted to use their mobile phone, or other electronic devices in the Sixth Form Business Centre only, or as directed, and under the supervision of staff to support a learning opportunity. Sixth Formers will be expected to follow policy at all other times, including on entry to the school grounds via the pedestrian or vehicle gates.
What happens on school trips?
Typically, this policy will still apply to any daytrip that starts and ends within school day times. Trips involving out-of-school-hours or residential trips will be adjusted where necessary and to suit the needs of the trip. Each school trip will be reviewed on an individual basis and any changes communicated to families within the trip letter. Decisions will be made as part of each trip risk assessment to ensure the safety of all parties attending.
How will students be told about these changes?
On the lead up to the Easter break, each year group will have an assembly to update them on these new policy changes. Students can speak with their Achievement Leader or Pastoral Manager if they have any questions.
Will these policy changes be kept under review?
To ensure the strengthened policy is effective, students, staff and parents/carers all have an important role to play. Students are expected to follow the rules at all times; staff must enforce them fairly and consistently; and parents/carers can support the policy by reinforcing expectations at home and ensuring phones are switched off before their child arrives at school.
By working together, we can create a calm and focused learning environment without needing more restrictive measures. However, if the strengthened approach does not meet expectations, the school may be required to introduce tougher rules in line with Government guidance, including the possibility of an outright ban for all students from September 2026.
Our aim is to avoid this outcome by ensuring the updated policy is respected and embedded across the whole school community.
