We are constantly looking for ways to improve our safeguarding culture and ensure the well-being of our students is at the heart of all we do. One area of concern is the constant pressure our students feel to use their phones. There continues to be a real temptation for students to check them during the day, despite existing rules around the use of mobile phones in school. We regularly hear from parents that they are also concerned about the amount of time their children spend on phones and the negative impact is having on their wellbeing.
To address this, and in line with DfE guidance around creating ‘phone-free’ schools, Selston High School, along with some other schools in The Two Counties Trust will be introducing lockable mobile phone pouches in November 2026. Students will keep these pouches with them at all times but will be expected to place their phones into the locked pouch before they arrive at school. They will be able to unlock their pouches on their way out of school using a magnetic unlocking device that are located at the main gates on the front and back drive.
We believe that this initiative will significantly improve well-being by removing the distraction of mobile phones in school and the classroom.
