Mobile Phone Policy

Purpose
This policy aims to create a safe and focused environment for all our children, staff, and visitors by ensuring that mobile phones are not used by children during the school day.

Policy Statement
At Co-op Academy Beckfield, we believe that learning and classroom environments are best supported when mobile phones are not present or used during school hours. To achieve this, children will not have access to or be allowed to use mobile phones during the school day.

For children

• Phones are not to be brought into classrooms, the dining hall, or playground areas at all.
• Any phone brought to school must be handed into the office at the start of the day and collected at the end of the day before going home. Phones are not to be used during clubs.
• Use of mobile phones whilst at school is strictly prohibited; any phones seen or heard will be confiscated immediately. Confiscated phones will be kept securely until collected by a parent or guardian.

For Staff 

• Staff will ensure that children’s phones are collected and stored safely until children are going home.
• Phones used or visible during lessons or other educational activities will be confiscated.
• Confiscated phones will be stored securely until collection by a parent or guardian at the end of the school day.
• Under the direction of the Senior Leadership Team, staff can search bags and coats if they reasonably believe that a child is concealing a mobile phone.

For Parents and Guardians 

• Parents are asked to support this policy by encouraging children not to bring mobile phones to school or by reminding them to hand them in at the start of the school day. Only send a mobile phone with your child if you feel it is absolutely necessary.
• If you need to get a message to your child during the school day, you can do so by phoning or emailing the office on 01274 662 363 or beck-office@coopacademies.co.uk.

Implementation and Review
This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure its effectiveness.

This policy is underpinned by Guidance for schools on prohibiting the use of mobile phones throughout the school day February 2024