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Dear Parent/Carer

Mobile Devices – Acceptable Use Policy

We have reviewed our policy for personal mobile devices on school site.  Over the past weeks this has been discussed with pupils, considering the impact this has on their learning, their wellbeing, and their health, and setting out the purpose of the changes to our policy.  The changes to our policy will come into action from Monday 3 June 2024.

Throughout my letter I will refer to ‘personal mobile technology devices’.  This term refers to mobile phones, headphones, earphones, recording devices, etc. 

Summary

• At St Cenydd School, personal mobile technology devices must not be seen, heard, or used in red zones by pupils.  This is to ensure the core purpose of the school – learning, teaching, and wellbeing – is the focus of our pupils whilst at school.
• Toilets and changing rooms are always red zones, whatever the time of day. 
• Break time and lunch time are green zones, except for toilets and changing rooms.
• The sixth form common room is always a green zone for KS5 students only. 
• Many teaching staff already operate a ‘digital drop off’ for pupils as they arrive for their lessons and voluntarily place their switched off device into a box or phone pocket. 
• If personal mobile technology devices are seen, heard, or used by a pupil in a red zone, the device will be confiscated as per the agreed process as set out later in my letter. 
• Personal mobile technology devices must not be used to record, film, or photograph on school site without exception.  To do so may result in a serious sanction for the pupil.  It should be noted that it is a criminal offence to use a mobile device to menace, harass or offend another person.
• In support of our personal mobile technology acceptable use policy, there are clear staged processes for staff to follow that are well understood and used consistently by all.  Staff model the policy in their own actions.
• All pupils are clear about our school expectations and understand the consequences of non-compliance.
• Our expectations are communicated clearly to all parents.  The decision to allow a child to have a personal mobile technology device or to allow a child to bring such a device to school is a family decision and, as such, the child and their family are responsible for that device.

Responsibilities

• It is the responsibility of pupils, who are allowed by their family to bring personal mobile technology devices to school, to follow the guidelines.  Pupils and their parents/carer are responsible for the appropriate care and security of any such devices.  You may decide as a family that your child will leave all devices at home from now on.  However, if you decide that your child may bring a device to school, then please reiterate to them our expectations.
• If pupils need to contact their parent/carer during the school day, they should wait until green zone times to do so.  Similarly, parents know their child will only contact them in a green zone time.  In an emergency, parents/carers should contact the school reception so that staff can support their child and convey the message. 
• Personal mobile devices should not be used in lessons for any reason including pupil research.  The school has invested in sufficient Chromebooks across the school which teachers can book when planning their lessons.
• School staff will not take a mobile device off a pupil.  The pupil will be expected to hand over their device in line with the processes outlined.  The member of staff will keep the device safe, and the confiscation period and location of the confiscation will be adhered to as per these processes.

What will happen if a mobile device is seen, heard or used in a red zone.

Most pupils will comply with this policy swiftly and easily and not use a mobile device in a red zone, prioritising their learning and wellbeing.  When this is not the case, there are three stages as outlined below.  Complying at stage 1 is simple and I would expect all pupils to do so if needed so that stages 2 and 3 are not required.

1. If a device is seen, heard, or used in a red zone, the pupil will be asked to hand the device to the member of staff immediately.  Doing so at stage 1 means the device will be returned to the pupil at the end of the lesson or in the next green zone. 
2. If the pupil does not hand over their device, this will move to stage 2.  The member of staff will ask once again for the device.  Doing so at stage 2 will mean the device can be collected by the pupil at the end of the school day.
3. If the pupil refuses to hand over their device, this will move to stage 3.  A member of the pastoral team will collect the device from the pupil which will be confiscated for the remainder of that day, will be confiscated for the full day on the following school day, and kept until the end of the automatic after school detention.

On Monday 3 June I will lead assemblies with each year group to explain these processes.  The policy will be in place from that moment on.  Thank you for your support in ensuring learning and wellbeing are prioritised. 

We return from half term at 8.30am on Monday 3 June 2024.  Please note we have two INSET days remaining on Thursday 18 July and Friday 19 July 2024.

Yours sincerely

Miss Rebecca V. Collins

Headteacher