Mobile Phone & Smart Technology Device Policy

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Egham Park School is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Date Created	Date 1^st Review Due	Date Reviewed	Version	Next Review Due
September 2026	September 2027

1. Policy Statement

Egham Park School recognises that mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets and other smart technology are an increasingly important part of modern life. For some pupils, particularly pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), technology may also provide an important means of communication, reassurance, accessibility, independence, medical monitoring or support.

However, unrestricted access to mobile phones and smart technology during the school day can create significant risks and disruption. These include distraction from learning, increased anxiety, cyberbullying, inappropriate photography or recording, access to harmful or inappropriate content, safeguarding concerns, disruption to relationships and difficulties developing face-to-face communication and social interaction.

The school therefore operates a mobile-phone-free environment by default during the school day.

This policy has been developed with regard to the Department for Education (DfE) statutory guidance Mobile phones in schools, which became statutory on 29 June 2026 and also applies to independent schools and non-maintained special schools. The guidance expects schools to prohibit the use of mobile phones and similar smart technology throughout the school day, including lessons, transitions, breaktimes and lunchtimes, subject to appropriate exceptions and reasonable adjustments.

The policy should also be read alongside:

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 (KCSIE);
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy;
Behaviour Policy;
SEND Policy;
Online Safety Policy;
Equality Policy;
Staff Code of Conduct;
Data Protection and Privacy Policy

2. Aims

The aims of this policy are to:

create a calm, safe and supportive learning environment;
minimise distraction and disruption caused by mobile phones and smart technology;
protect pupils from online harms, cyberbullying and inappropriate content;
prevent unauthorised photography, video or audio recording;
protect the privacy and dignity of pupils, staff and visitors;
support positive social interaction and communication;
promote responsible and safe use of technology;
ensure pupils learn appropriate digital citizenship and online safety;
recognise and support legitimate medical, accessibility, communication and safeguarding needs;
ensure that reasonable adjustments are considered for pupils with SEND;
provide clear and consistent expectations for pupils, staff and families; and
ensure that any response to a breach is proportionate, lawful and consistent with the school’s behaviour procedures.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all pupils while they are:

on the school premises;
attending lessons;
moving around the school;
at break and lunchtime;
participating in school activities;
travelling on school transport where the school is responsible for the pupils;
attending educational visits and activities during the school day; and
participating in other activities organised or supervised by the school.

For the purposes of this policy, “mobile phone” includes smartphones and mobile phones capable of making or receiving calls, messages or accessing the internet.

“Smart technology” includes, but is not limited to:

smartwatches;
Apple Watches and similar devices;
mobile-enabled watches;
tablets with mobile connectivity;
personal digital assistants;
devices capable of sending or receiving messages;
devices capable of recording audio or video;
wearable technology with communication functions;
Bluetooth communication devices;
personal devices capable of accessing social media or messaging services; and
any other technology which has substantially similar communication, recording or notification functionality.

The school reserves the right to include additional devices within the scope of this policy where their functionality creates equivalent risks.

4. Core Rule – Mobile-Phone-Free School Day

Pupils must not use or have access to their mobile phone or prohibited smart technology during the school day, including:

lessons;
therapy sessions;
transitions between lessons;
breaktimes;
lunchtimes;
enrichment activities; and
other supervised school activities.

Phones and prohibited smart devices must therefore be switched off or placed into an approved secure storage arrangement for the duration of the school day.

A phone being:

on silent;
on vibrate;
in a pocket;
in a school bag; or
face down

does not constitute compliance where the school has directed that the device must be stored securely.

The school expects pupils to arrive at school with their devices already switched off or otherwise prepared for secure storage.

5. Arrival at School

Where pupils are permitted to bring a mobile phone to school because of travel, safeguarding or other legitimate reasons, the phone must be handed in or placed into the school’s designated secure storage system on arrival.

The school may use one or more of the following arrangements:

individual secure lockers;
locked storage boxes;
individually labelled pouches;
office storage;
collection by an authorised member of staff; or
another secure system approved by the Headteacher.

The school will determine the storage arrangements appropriate to its environment and the individual needs of its pupils.

Where a pupil travels independently, parents/carers should discuss the safest arrangements with the school.

6. Collection and Return

Where phones are collected:

pupils will hand their phone to the designated member of staff on arrival;
the device will be stored securely;
the device will not normally be accessed by staff;
the phone will be returned at the end of the school day in accordance with the school’s arrangements; and
pupils are responsible for collecting their own device.

The school will take reasonable steps to keep stored devices secure but cannot accept unlimited responsibility for loss or damage to personal property.

Parents/carers should not contact pupils directly on their mobile phone during the school day.

If a parent/carer needs to contact a pupil urgently, they should contact the school office.

7. Smartwatches and Wearable Technology

Smartwatches and similar wearable technology present particular challenges because they may allow pupils to:

receive notifications;
send messages;
make or receive calls;
access social media;
record audio;
take photographs or videos;
access the internet; or
communicate covertly.

Accordingly, smartwatches with communication, recording or notification functions are subject to the same restrictions as mobile phones.

A basic watch without communication or recording functionality is not normally subject to this policy.

8. SEND, Accessibility and Reasonable Adjustments

Egham Park School is a specialist setting and recognises that a blanket approach may not be appropriate for every pupil.

The school will consider reasonable adjustments and individual arrangements where a pupil has a disability, SEND, medical condition or other identified need.

Examples may include circumstances where a device is required for:

augmentative or alternative communication (AAC);
speech and language support;
visual or hearing accessibility;
medical monitoring;
managing a recognised medical condition;
an identified safeguarding risk;
supporting independence or travel;
assistive technology;
specialist educational applications; or
another specific need identified through the pupil’s individual assessment.

Any exception should be specific, proportionate and clearly defined.

Where possible, the school will identify:

the purpose for which the device may be used;
when it may be used;
where it may be used;
who may support the pupil;
what functions may be accessed;
what functions must remain disabled; and
what will happen if the device is misused.

An exception to this policy does not provide unrestricted access to a mobile phone or smart device.

Where an adjustment is required, it should be recorded within the pupil’s appropriate individual support documentation, such as their EHCP-related provision, healthcare plan, risk assessment, behaviour support plan or other relevant plan.

9. Medical Use

Where a mobile phone or smart device is required for a medical purpose, the school will develop an appropriate individual arrangement.

This may include devices used for:

blood glucose monitoring;
medical alerts;
communication with medical equipment;
medication-related monitoring;
emergency alerts; or
other clinically necessary purposes.

Where technology is required for medical reasons, the school will seek to ensure that the device is used only for the agreed medical purpose during the school day.

Medical use will be managed in conjunction with the school’s healthcare arrangements and relevant medical advice.

10. Communication Devices and AAC

Where a pupil uses a personal device as part of an agreed communication system, the device will not automatically be treated in the same way as a recreational mobile phone.

The school will distinguish between:

Assistive/communication use, which may be permitted where required; and

Recreational/personal use, which remains prohibited unless specifically authorised.

Staff supporting pupils using AAC or communication technology will ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent unnecessary access to:

social media;
messaging;
photography;
video recording;
unrestricted internet access; and
other non-essential functions.

11. Educational Use of Technology

The school recognises the educational benefits of digital technology.

Pupils may use school-approved:

laptops;
tablets;
Chromebooks;
interactive devices;
specialist communication equipment; and
other educational technology

when directed by staff and in accordance with the school’s Acceptable Use and Online Safety Policies.

Personal mobile phones should not normally be used as a substitute for school-provided educational technology.

Where a pupil requires a personal device to access learning because of their SEND, this should be agreed in advance with the relevant member of staff.

12. Photography, Video and Audio Recording

Pupils must not use mobile phones, smartwatches or other personal devices to:

photograph another pupil;
photograph a member of staff;
record audio;
record video;
livestream;
make screenshots of other people’s communications;
distribute images or recordings; or
upload school-related content to social media

without explicit authorisation.

Particular care must be taken to protect pupils who are vulnerable, looked-after, subject to safeguarding arrangements or whose images are not authorised for publication.

Unauthorised recording may constitute a safeguarding, behaviour, privacy or data protection concern and will be dealt with accordingly.

13. Social Media and Online Communication

Pupils must not use personal devices during the school day to access:

social media;
messaging platforms;
online gaming;
video-sharing platforms;
personal email;
livestreaming services; or
other online services

unless specifically authorised as part of an educational, therapeutic, communication, safeguarding or medical arrangement.

Online behaviour which takes place outside school but has a significant impact on pupils, staff, safeguarding or the school community may be addressed under the school’s Behaviour, Safeguarding and/or Anti-Bullying Policies where appropriate.

14. Staff Use of Mobile Phones

Staff are expected to model the behaviour required of pupils.

Staff should not use personal mobile phones for personal purposes in front of pupils during the school day except where there is a legitimate reason.

Examples of legitimate use may include:

an emergency;
an approved work-related purpose;
multi-factor authentication;
contacting emergency services;
safeguarding purposes;
a medical emergency; or
another purpose authorised by the school.

Staff should use school-approved communication systems wherever possible.

Staff must not photograph, film or record pupils using a personal mobile phone.

Where photographs or recordings are required for legitimate educational or safeguarding purposes, school-approved equipment and procedures must be used.

Staff should not communicate with pupils through personal social-media accounts or personal messaging services.

15. Visitors, Contractors and Volunteers

Visitors, contractors and volunteers are expected to comply with the school’s expectations regarding mobile phone and smart technology use.

Personal phones should not be used:

to photograph pupils;
to record pupils;
to communicate privately with pupils; or
for other personal purposes in areas where pupils are present,

unless explicitly authorised.

The school may provide alternative arrangements for legitimate professional communication.

16. Parents and Carers

Parents and carers are asked to support the school’s mobile-phone-free approach.

Parents/carers should:

avoid contacting their child directly during the school day;
contact the school office where they need to communicate an urgent message;
support the school’s expectations at home;
discuss safe and responsible technology use with their child; and
inform the school of any medical, safeguarding or accessibility reason why a pupil may need access to a device.

The school will communicate its arrangements clearly to families and will work with parents/carers where an individual pupil requires a specific adjustment.

17. Trips, Transport and Off-Site Activities

The school will determine appropriate arrangements for mobile phones on:

educational visits;
work experience;
community activities;
public transport;
school transport;
other activities outside normal school hours.

The arrangements may differ from those applying during the normal school day where this is necessary for safeguarding, communication, independence or the practical management of the activity.

Any variation should be communicated to pupils and parents/carers in advance.

18. Post-16 Pupils

Those Post-16 pupils whom have permission to leave the school site at lunchtime will be allowed access to mobile phones, as part of preparation for adulthood and increased independence.

However, on returning to school the mobile must be handed into reception.

These arrangements must:

apply only at specified times and locations;
not undermine the school’s phone-free environment for younger pupils;
comply with safeguarding requirements; and
remain subject to the school’s behaviour expectations.

Mobile phone use in the presence of younger pupils should be restricted.

19. Breaches of the Policy

The school will respond to breaches consistently but will take account of the individual pupils:

age;
SEND;
communication needs;
cognitive ability;
emotional development;
medical needs;
individual circumstances;
understanding of the rule; and
previous behaviour.

A breach may include:

using a phone during the school day;
refusing to hand in a phone;
keeping a phone hidden;
using a smartwatch to communicate;
taking photographs or recordings;
accessing social media;
using a device to bully or intimidate another person;
attempting to circumvent the school’s controls; or
allowing another pupil to use a device.

The school’s response may include:

reminder or verbal instruction;
temporary confiscation;
restorative discussion;
contact with parents/carers;
behaviour sanction;
loss of a specified privilege;
individual support or risk assessment;
safeguarding referral; or
other action under the school’s Behaviour or Safeguarding Policies.

Sanctions will be proportionate and will take account of SEND and individual circumstances.

20. Confiscation

Where a pupil breaches this policy, the school may confiscate a mobile phone or similar device where this is proportionate and permitted under the school’s behaviour arrangements.

The device will normally be stored securely until it can be returned in accordance with the school’s procedures.

The length of confiscation will depend on:

the circumstances;
the seriousness of the breach;
the pupil’s individual needs;
whether the device has been repeatedly misused;
safeguarding considerations; and
the intended behavioural outcome.

The DfE guidance specifically recognises that schools may use confiscation as a proportionate disciplinary response and advises schools to take account of individual circumstances, including SEND.

21. Searching

The school may search pupils or their possessions where permitted by law and the school’s Searching, Screening and Confiscation procedures.

Mobile phones and similar devices may be identified within the school’s behaviour rules as items which may be searched for.

Any search must be:

lawful;
proportionate;
necessary;
conducted in accordance with school procedures; and
respectful of the pupil’s dignity.

Staff should not routinely access the contents of a pupil’s phone.

Where a device contains material which raises a safeguarding concern, the school will follow its safeguarding procedures and seek appropriate advice.

22. Safeguarding Concerns

A mobile phone or smart device may contain evidence relating to:

bullying;
harassment;
sexual harassment;
child-on-child abuse;
sexual abuse or exploitation;
self-harm;
threats;
criminal activity;
inappropriate images;
radicalisation;
grooming;
coercive or controlling behaviour; or
other safeguarding concerns.

Where a safeguarding concern arises, staff must follow the school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or deputy DSL.

Staff should not investigate safeguarding concerns independently unless this forms part of their authorised role.

23. Online Safety Education

The school will not rely solely on restricting access to technology.

Pupils will be taught age- and developmentally appropriate skills relating to:

online safety;
privacy;
passwords and account security;
social media;
cyberbullying;
digital footprints;
online relationships;
inappropriate content;
misinformation;
online grooming and exploitation;
image sharing;
consent;
respectful online communication;
reporting harmful content; and
responsible use of digital technology.

For pupils with SEND, online safety education will be adapted to their communication, cognitive and developmental needs.

24. Filtering and Monitoring

The proprietor and school leadership will ensure that appropriate filtering and monitoring arrangements are in place for school-provided digital systems.

These arrangements will be regularly reviewed in accordance with KCSIE and the school’s Online Safety Policy.

Personal devices must not be used as a means of circumventing school filtering and monitoring systems.

25. Data Protection and Privacy

The school will comply with applicable data protection requirements.

Pupils and staff must not use personal devices to collect, store or distribute personal information, photographs, videos or recordings relating to other members of the school community without appropriate authority.

Any suspected data breach should be reported promptly in accordance with the school’s Data Protection Policy.

26. Emergency Situations

Nothing in this policy prevents a pupil or member of staff from using a mobile phone where this is necessary to respond to an immediate emergency.

The school may also authorise temporary use of mobile phones during exceptional circumstances, such as:

a major incident;
evacuation;
loss of communication systems;
significant disruption to normal school operations; or
another emergency identified by the Headteacher or emergency services.

27. Individual Risk Assessments

Where a pupil’s circumstances create a particular need for access to a mobile phone or smart technology, the school may complete an individual risk assessment.

This may consider:

the pupil’s SEND;
medical needs;
safeguarding circumstances;
travel arrangements;
communication needs;
emotional regulation;
vulnerability to online harm;
likelihood of misuse;
potential impact on other pupils; and
alternative technology or support available.

The risk assessment should identify appropriate controls and should be reviewed regularly.

28. Equality and Inclusion

The school is committed to ensuring that this policy does not unlawfully discriminate against disabled pupils.

The starting point is that the school’s mobile-phone-free expectation applies consistently to all pupils. However, where a disabled pupil requires an adjustment, the school will consider what reasonable adjustment is appropriate.

An adjustment should be:

based on an identified need;
proportionate;
as restrictive as necessary but no more restrictive;
reviewed regularly; and
compatible with the safety and wellbeing of the pupil and wider school community.

The fact that an adjustment has been made for one pupil does not create an automatic entitlement for another pupil. Individual circumstances will be considered on their own merits.

29. Alternative Communication Arrangements

The school will provide appropriate alternatives so that pupils do not need to rely on their personal mobile phones for ordinary school-day communication.

These may include:

school telephones;
the school office;
staff-supported communication;
agreed communication books;
school-approved digital communication systems;
individual communication devices;
visual communication systems; and
other appropriate assistive technology.

Parents/carers who need to contact their child should normally do so through the school office.

30. Roles and Responsibilities

Proprietor / Advisory Board

The proprietor/advisory board will:

approve the policy;
ensure appropriate oversight;
ensure the policy aligns with statutory requirements;
ensure safeguarding and welfare duties are considered; and
review the effectiveness of implementation.

Headteacher

The Headteacher will:

implement and enforce the policy;
ensure staff understand their responsibilities;
determine appropriate storage arrangements;
oversee exceptions and reasonable adjustments;
ensure sanctions are proportionate;
work with parents/carers; and
review the effectiveness of the policy.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

The DSL will:

advise on safeguarding concerns involving devices;
oversee relevant online-safety concerns;
ensure concerns are appropriately recorded;
liaise with external agencies where necessary; and
ensure the policy remains consistent with safeguarding procedures.

SENCO / SEND Leadership

The SENCO will:

advise on reasonable adjustments;
consider accessibility and communication needs;
contribute to individual risk assessments; and
ensure technology-related adjustments are consistent with pupils’ wider SEND provision.

Staff

Staff will:

model appropriate mobile-phone use;
enforce the policy consistently;
safeguard pupils;
report concerns;
respect reasonable adjustments; and
use school-approved technology wherever possible.

Pupils

Pupils are expected to:

follow the policy;
hand in or securely store devices as required;
respect other people’s privacy;
never make unauthorised recordings;
report online or device-related concerns; and
use technology responsibly.

Parents and Carers

Parents/carers are expected to:

support the policy;
contact the school rather than pupils during the school day;
notify the school of relevant medical, SEND or safeguarding needs; and
work collaboratively with the school where an individual arrangement is required.

31. Policy Implementation

The school will communicate this policy:

to pupils at the beginning of each academic year;
to new pupils as part of induction;
to parents/carers;
to staff during induction and training;
through the school’s website or parent information systems; and
whenever significant changes are made.

The policy will be communicated in formats appropriate to the needs of the school’s pupils and families.

For pupils with communication difficulties, visual supports, social stories, symbols or other appropriate methods may be used.

32. Monitoring and Review

The Headteacher will monitor implementation through:

staff feedback;
pupil feedback;
parent/carer feedback;
behaviour records;
safeguarding records;
incidents involving inappropriate device use;
confiscation records where appropriate;
individual risk assessments; and
review of reasonable adjustments.

The policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner where:

legislation or statutory guidance changes;
safeguarding risks change;
technology develops significantly;
incidents indicate that amendments are necessary; or
the school identifies a better approach.

33. Related Legislation and Guidance

This policy has been developed with reference to the following, as applicable to the school:

Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026;
Department for Education – Mobile phones in schools (2026);
Department for Education – Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026;
Behaviour in schools guidance;
Equality Act 2010;
Children and Families Act 2014, where applicable;
SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years;
relevant statutory safeguarding guidance;
data protection legislation, including the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018;
relevant residential special school standards, where applicable; and
the school’s own safeguarding, behaviour, SEND, online safety and acceptable-use policies.

34. School Boundaries – Pupil-Friendly Version

Our Phone-Free School Day

At Egham Park School:

Mobile phones stay stored away during the school day.
Smartwatches and similar devices must not be used for messages, calls, recording or social media.
We do not take photos or videos of other people without permission.
We do not use social media during the school day.
If you need to contact home, ask a member of staff.
If you have a medical or communication reason for using a device, your staff will help you.
If you bring a phone to school, follow the school’s storage arrangements.
If you are unsure whether you can use a device, ask a member of staff first.
We use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.

34. School Boundaries – Pupil-Friendly Version

Our Phone-Free School Day

At Egham Park School:

Mobile phones stay stored away during the school day.
Smartwatches and similar devices must not be used for messages, calls, recording or social media.
We do not take photos or videos of other people without permission.
We do not use social media during the school day.
If you need to contact home, ask a member of staff.
If you have a medical or communication reason for using a device, your staff will help you.
If you bring a phone to school, follow the school’s storage arrangements.
If you are unsure whether you can use a device, ask a member of staff first.
We use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.

Our aim is not to sanction pupils for having technology. Our aim is to make school a safe, calm and happy place.