A Phone-Free School

At Winford Church of England Primary School, we are committed to providing a safe, focused and positive learning environment where children can learn, play and develop friendships without unnecessary distractions.

In line with Department for Education guidance, Winford is a phone-free school.

We believe that children benefit from having time during the school day to concentrate on learning, enjoy face-to-face interactions and develop healthy relationships without the distractions of mobile phones and personal electronic devices.

Our approach supports our school rules of Ready, Respectful, Safe and helps us promote positive behaviour, wellbeing and online safety.

Mobile Phones in School

Children should not bring mobile phones to school unless specific permission has been granted.

We recognise that some older pupils, particularly those in Years 5 and 6 who travel to or from school independently, may need to carry a mobile phone for safety reasons.

In these circumstances, parents and carers must:

• Request permission for their child to bring a mobile phone to school.

• Complete and sign the school's Mobile Phone Acceptable Use Agreement.

• Ensure their child understands and follows the school's expectations.

Permission is granted for a specific reason and may be reviewed if circumstances change.

What Happens to Phones During the School Day?

Where permission has been granted:

• Phones must be switched off before entering the school premises.

• Children must hand their phone in on arrival.

• Phones are stored securely in the designated safe in the Year 5/6 group room.

• Children may collect their phone at the end of the school day.

• Phones must not be used anywhere on the school premises.

Children are not permitted to keep mobile phones in their bags, pockets or classrooms during the school day.

The school cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal devices brought onto the premises.

Smartwatches and Other Electronic Devices

Smartwatches that can make or receive calls, send messages, access the internet, take photographs or make recordings are not permitted in school.

Children may wear a simple watch or an age-appropriate activity tracker that does not have communication, camera or recording functions.

Personal electronic devices, including tablets, iPads, gaming devices and similar equipment, should not be brought into school unless specifically requested or authorised by a member of staff for an educational purpose.

Contacting Your Child During the School Day

If you need to contact your child during the school day, please telephone the school office.

Likewise, if your child needs to contact you, a member of staff will arrange this through the school office.

This ensures that important messages are communicated appropriately and that children remain safe and supported.

School Office: 01275 472730

Online Safety and Responsible Technology Use

We recognise that digital technology plays an important role in children's lives and that learning to use it safely and responsibly is an essential part of their education.

Through our computing curriculum, PSHE lessons and wider safeguarding work, we teach children about:

• Keeping personal information safe.

• Respectful and responsible online communication.

• Recognising inappropriate or harmful content.

• Cyberbullying and how to seek help.

• Managing screen time and developing healthy digital habits.

• Knowing when and how to report concerns.

Our phone-free approach complements this learning by providing children with a school day free from personal mobile phone distractions.

Parents and carers can find further information and advice on our Online Safety page.

Working Together

We ask all parents and carers to support our phone-free approach by ensuring that children do not bring unauthorised devices into school.

If your child needs to carry a phone for their journey to or from school, please contact the school office to request a Mobile Phone Acceptable Use Agreement.

By working together, we can help children enjoy a safe, focused and happy school day.

Telephone: 01275 472730
Email: office@winfordprimary.com

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Together we Flourish

Learning together, connecting with others and staying safe.