Following guidance issued earlier this year, we have considered our stance on mobile phones and smart watches carefully.
Everyone who spends any time with children and young people knows how addictive and problematic the technology can be. However, we are also aware that there are benefits to this technology. We also recognise that Sixth Form students have a greater degree of independence and responsibility.
Therefore, from September 2024, our policy on mobile phones and smart watches will be as follows:
Year 7 – Year 11 – Not to be seen during the school day
The use of mobile phones and smart watches is prohibited during the school day for all students in Years 7 – Year 11. Mobile phones should be switched off and out of sight from when students arrive in school until they out of the building at the end of the day. The only exception to this is when a member of staff has granted permission and supervises the use of the device. Smart watches should not be worn.
Any student found using a mobile phone (or smart watch) during the school day without the permission/supervision of a staff member will face the following sanctions:
- First time: the device will be confiscated and the student will receive a 30-minute lunchtime detention. The student can collect their mobile phone from reception at the end of the school day
- Second time: the device will be confiscated and the student will receive an after-school detention. The student can collect their mobile phone from reception at the end of the school day
- Third (or more) time: the device will be confiscated and the student will receive an after-school detention. The device will be retained until it can be collected by a parent or carer (NB this is no change from the current policy).
Students may use their phones on the way to and from school but must switch them off and put them in their bag for the duration of the school day. We do not expect to see them or hear them.
Headphones/ear buds should not be seen at any time in school. If students choose to use headphones/ear buds when travelling to and from school, they must remove them before they enter the school site. If seen in school, they will be confiscated as above. There may be an exception for additional needs, please see FAQs below.
Year 12 – Year 13
The use of mobile phones, headphones and other smart technology is acceptable in the Sixth Form block but prohibited in the rest of the school. Any student found using a device outside of the Sixth Form block will have it confiscated. The student will collect their mobile phone from the Sixth Form office at the end of the school day.
Frequently Asked Questions
| FAQ | Notes for students, parents and carers |
| I check my timetable on my phone | All students will receive a paper timetable at the start of the year and a card version for their blazer pocket. |
| How will I know the time? | There are clocks in every classroom and you can wear a normal watch. |
| What if I need to contact my parents/carers? | You can go and see your Head of Year or your year group pastoral support and they will contact home for you, or allow you to use your phone to send a message or call. |
| What if I am not well and want to go home? | Students cannot make this decision; you must go and see your Head of Year or your year group pastoral support who will help you and contact home if you are not well. |
| I use my phone/watch for a medical condition, what should I do? | Ask your parents/carers to contact your year group email to inform them of your situation: year?@ladymanners.derbyshire.sch.uk and they will ensure that this is still possible for you to do. |
| What happens if my parents/carers need to contact me during the day? | Parents/carers need to contact the year group pastoral team by email or phone, or call reception and a message will be passed on to you: year?@ladymanners.derbyshire.sch.uk 01629 812671. |
| I use Class Charts on my phone for homework and to check announcements and my positives | This is great, but can wait until you are on your way home or at home. If you need to do this whilst at school you can use a school computer. |
| Why can’t I use my smart watch? | Smart watches are not allowed as they access many of the same functions as mobile phones causing the same unnecessary distractions.
Smart watches are already banned from all examination venues. |
| Why can’t I use my ear buds? | As mobile phones and smart watches should be turned off, there is no need for ear buds or headphones. You can have them in your bag to use on your journeys to and from school but not during the school day. |
| I use headphones for my additional needs, what should I do? | Ask your parents/carers to contact your year group email or the SENCO to inform them of your situation: year?@ladymanners.derbyshire.sch.uk and they will ensure that this is still possible for you to do. |
| Can I wear a Fitbit? | No, this has some similar functions as a mobile phone. |
| What about school trips? | The use of phones, ear buds and smart watches on school trips will be decided for each trip individually. |
We look forward to students having fewer distractions and more conversations with their peers and hopefully worrying just a little bit less about something that may or may not have been said on social media.
We appreciate your support with our approach.
