Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act: 29 June 2026

Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act

I write to inform you about the government’s new Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act, which officially came into effect on Monday, 29th June 2026.

This legislation places a renewed, statutory focus on protecting children's mental health, reducing digital distractions, and fostering a safer, more focused learning environment.  Our school policy regarding mobile phones already prohibits mobile phones to be used on the school site. 
 

Students are strictly prohibited from using mobile phones, smartwatches, or other personal internet-enabled devices at any point during the school day including lunchtimes.  
 

Upon Arrival all phones must be turned off and securely stored away in your child’s bag before they enter the school site, even if this is before 8.10am.  

During the Day: Devices must remain off and out of sight during lessons, transition times, break times, and lunchtimes.

End of the Day: Students must keep their mobile phones in their school bag until they have left the school site.
 

To ensure a distraction-free environment and support your child's wellbeing, parents and carers must not attempt to contact students directly on their personal devices during school hours. 

We kindly ask for your cooperation with the following protocols:

• Emergency Contact: If you have an urgent message or an emergency, please call the main school office directly 01909 475121.  Our administrative team will ensure your child receives the message immediately.

• Student Outbound Calls: If a student needs to contact home due to illness or an emergency, they must speak to a member of staff at Student Services.  Students must not contact parents and carers directly by using their mobile device.

If your child is seen with their mobile phones, smartwatches, or other personal internet-enabled devices at any point during the school day, including lunchtimes this will be confiscated and held in our school safe until an adult is able to collect.  This is outlined in the OGAT Positive Discipline for Learning and Life Policy, Section 15, ‘Mobile Phones’, a copy of which can be found via the link here but also the school website.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs J Perry

Vice Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead