FAQ

Oaklands School – Mobile Phone Policy: Parent FAQ

 

Why has the school changed its mobile phone policy?

We want to protect students from online harm, reduce distractions, and support a calm, focused learning environment where all children can thrive. Smartphones are strongly linked to safeguarding concerns, social media pressures, distraction in lessons, and a range of wellbeing challenges.

The updated policy also helps reduce peer pressure among students, particularly around owning the “latest” or most expensive devices. By ensuring that smartphones are not allowed on site, we remove the pressure some students feel to compete with others, and we reduce the pressure on parents to purchase costly phones simply so their child “fits in”.

This consistent, whole-school approach promotes fairness, protects wellbeing, and helps create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every family.

 

Are smartphones allowed in school?

No. Smartphones are not permitted in Years 7–11 under any circumstance.
If a smartphone is brought onto the school site or used on the journey to/from school, it will be confiscated for a minimum of 4 weeks.

 

When does the policy begin?

We will hold assemblies for students to explain the new policy and how it will be applied.
The policy will begin at the start of the summer term Monday 13th April 2026 with a full implementation from September 2026.

 

How do I contact my child during the school day?

If you need to reach your child, please contact Main Reception, and a message will be passed to them quickly and discreetly.

Students may use their approved basic phone after school once they leave the site.

 

What kind of phones are allowed?

Only basic, non-smart, non-camera handsets are permitted for travel safety. These phones allow calls and texts only and cannot access the internet. 

Click here to learn more about our approved models.

 

What happens if my child’s phone is confiscated?

This depends on the type of phone:

School-approved phone:

• Normally returned to a parent/carer at the end of the school day.
• Students cannot collect the phone themselves.

Non-approved phone or smartphone:

• Kept by the school for a minimum of 4 weeks, including holidays.
• If the phone has been confiscated before, it will be kept for the full term or 4 weeks—whichever is longer.

 

Can I collect the phone as a parent?

• No. The school has the legal power to keep the phone for the full confiscation period.
  Under the Education and Inspections Act 2006, staff are legally permitted to confiscate and retain a student’s property where it is lawful and reasonable to do so. Because our policy clearly sets out the retention period for non-approved phones, we are not required to return the device early to either the student or their family.

This means the phone cannot be collected by a parent or carer before the end of the stated confiscation period, regardless of circumstances such as holidays, travel needs, or parental requests.

 

What happens if the return date falls within a holiday?

If the four weeks return date falls in any of the three half terms, Christmas or Easter holidays, the phone can be collected on the first day back at school.

If the four weeks return date falls in he summer holidays, the phone can be collected on either of the two exam results days in August.

 

Can my child remove their SIM card before handing over the phone?

No.
SIM cards remain inside the device for the entire confiscation period. This prevents misuse of replacement devices and ensures safe handling of evidence if required.

 

How will I know the phone has been confiscated?

Parents will receive a message informing them that the phone has been taken, why it was confiscated, and the date on which it can be collected.

 

What should I do if my child loses their approved phone?

The school cannot take responsibility for lost or stolen approved phones.
If your child needs one for travel safety, please purchase another from the approved list.

 

Can my child bring a smartphone on a school trip or residential?

No.
Only approved basic phones may be taken on trips where permitted. Smartphones and smart devices are banned on all trips and residential activities.

 

What if my child needs a phone for medical reasons?

If your child has a medical or safeguarding need requiring communication equipment, please contact their Pastoral Leader or the SENCO  to discuss arrangements.

 

Can Sixth Form students bring smartphones?

Phones should not be visible in lessons (including form time, supervised study, assemblies and any other formal session). They should only be used for educational purposes if directed by the class teacher, or if given permission during supervised study.

If a student uses a phone inappropriately it can be confiscated and only returned at the end of the day. For a second offence, a parent will need to collect the phone.

Headphones should not be visible when moving around the school site; headphones are only permitted in common areas during break and lunchtime. Headphones may be used during supervised study sessions, if permitted by the class teacher. They should be removed immediately if a member of staff is speaking to you.

 

How can I learn more about the phone policy?

We are committed to ongoing dialogue with parents and carers. A series of parental forums will be held, where we will explain the policy in detail and answer any questions and concerns you might have.

The website will also hold resources and important information surrounding the policy implementation. 

Who can I contact if I have further questions?

Please contact your child’s Pastoral Leader, who will be happy to support you.