Schools in England are now required by law to make their premises phone-free environments by default following the recent amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026. This means that from September 2026 we will be a completely phone free school. This is a significant change which supports a more focused learning environment and reduces the potential for disruption.
As a result of this change mobile phones will not be allowed in school at any time during the school day. This means phones (including smartwatches with communication features) and connected devices, legally, must not be accessed from the time students arrive on site until they leave the site at the end of the day. This includes:
- All outdoor spaces
- Lessons, break times, or lunchtimes.
- Toilets and corridors
We recognise that for some students and families the use of a mobile phone on the journey to and from school is helpful. To support this parents may choose to purchase an authorised lockable phone pouch from school. The pouch will enable your child to use their device on the journey to and from school. During school time the mobile phone will remain with the student, switched off inside the lockable pouch.
We understand that moving to a phone-free environment using a lockable pouch system is a significant change. In line with “The Cramlington Way,” we want to ensure all stakeholders feel informed and supported. Below is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide designed to address common queries from parents and students regarding the new policy and how to manage communication effectively.
Mobile Phone Pouch System: Frequently Asked Questions
Why are we introducing lockable pouches?
New laws in 2026 which mean that all schools must make schools a phone free environment. Research developed and shared by the Department for Education indicates that a mobile phone-free environment can have a positive impact on mental health and educational outcomes. By using pouches, we ensure that phones are “unseen” and “off” throughout the school day, including at break and lunchtimes. We are also supporting the reduction in potential damage from social media and online harms while fostering a calm, focused learning environment.
Are other schools using this system?
Lockable pouches are widely used in secondary schools, colleges, and universities to support behaviour, safeguarding, exam integrity, and digital wellbeing. We have visited several schools in the north east who have already successfully introduced lockable pouches.
How does the pouch system work?
Upon arrival at school, students must switch off their mobile phones and any other smart technology (such as smartwatches with communication features) and secure them in their issued lockable pouch. Students keep the pouch in their own school bag throughout the day. The pouches are then unlocked at designated stations as students leave the school site at the end of the day.
What if my child needs to access a mobile device in an emergency?
Authorised staff can unlock pouches quickly if needed. We have clear procedures in place to ensure safety and reassurance.
How long are the pouches expected to last?
We have examined a range of different pouches and providers. Pouches are built for repeated daily use using long-life materials and reinforced construction, making them suitable for regular use and being carried each day. The manufacturer offers a 2 year warranty.
How can I contact my child during the school day?
We understand that parents may need to reach their children for emergencies. In such cases, parents should contact the school office directly.
What if my child needs their phone for a medical condition?
We fully comply with our legal duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Children and Families Act 2014. If a student has a documented medical condition—for example, diabetes requiring a phone-linked glucose monitor—they will be granted a “reasonable adjustment” to access their device as necessary.
Will my child have their phone for the journey to and from school?
Yes. We recognise that many parents value the safety and tracking capabilities of a mobile phone during the commute. Because students retain possession of the locked pouch in their bags, the device is immediately available for use once they leave the school premises and use an unlocking station.
What happens if a student refuses to use the pouch or circumvents the lock?
Consistency is vital to “The Cramlington Way”. Failure to follow the pouch policy is considered a breach of the Behaviour Policy and will result in staged consequences including:
- Confiscation: The device and pouch will be placed in the school safe until the end of the day. For persistent breaches a person with responsibility such as a parent will be asked to collect the device.
- Sanctions: Continued defiance may lead to detentions, time in our Inclusion Base, or, in serious cases, suspension.
- Search Powers: Headteachers and authorised staff have the statutory power to search for mobile phones if they have reasonable grounds to suspect the policy is being breached.
Are staff also banned from using phones?
To model the high standards we expect from our students, staff are advised not to use their personal mobile phones for personal reasons in front of pupils during the school day. Pastoral staff use authorised mobile devices for school business throughout the day.
What about Sixth Form students?
Reflecting their increased independence, Sixth Form students may be permitted access to their devices in limited, designated areas, such as the Sixth Form common room. However, they must not use their phones in front of younger pupils.
My pouch is damaged and does not work. What do I do?
If the pouch has become damaged and does not operate please speak to staff in school who will assess the damage and contact the supplier if a warranty claim is justified. Evidence of deliberate damage, destruction or vandalism that requires replacement will be at the cost to the parent.
How will we manage peak times for unlocking:
- Multiple Unlocking Locations: We will map and establish various unlocking points across the campus rather than relying on a single exit bottleneck
- Portable Magnet Deployment: To increase the speed of the process, key duty staff members will be issued with portable magnet. This allows staff to move along queues or be stationed at strategic points to unlock pouches quickly
- Queue Supervision: Staff will be positioned at these designated “magnet points” to supervise queues, ensuring that the process remains orderly and safe as students leave the site
- Staged Unlocking for Early Leavers: Students who need to sign out before the end of the day will follow a separate procedure, unlocking their pouches at Student Services once a sign-out slip has been issued
By distributing the unlocking stations and equipping staff with portable tools, we aim to make the transition at the end of the day as seamless as possible for both students and parents.