Our Response to National Guidance (Updated 2026)

In February 2026, the Department for Education issued updated guidance stating that all schools should be mobile‑phone‑free environments by default. At Stratton School, we fully support this ambition and have listened carefully to our parent and carer community in shaping our approach.

Following our recent survey—where over 80% of families told us they would welcome stronger restrictions on mobile phones during the school day—we are introducing a clear and consistent phone‑free school system for all students in Years 7–11 from September 2026.

Our aim is simple:
To create the healthiest, calmest and most focused learning environment for our students.

Why Phone‑Free?

Parents and carers shared with us a number of concerns:

• High levels of screen time
• Distraction during lessons
• Peer pressure and social comparison
• The impact of constant online connectivity on mental health and wellbeing
• Interrupted sleep, reduced attention span and the social challenges linked to smartphone overuse

Families also made clear that mobile phones remain important before and after school for safety, travel and communication. Our approach balances these needs while ensuring six and a half hours of healthy, uninterrupted learning time each day.

Introducing the Hush Pouch System

From September 2026, students may bring their phones to school, but they must be stored in a secure, locked Hush Pouch for the entire school day.

We have chosen this system because it has been successfully trialled across several Meridian Trust schools and has proven effective in:

• Creating calmer, more focused lessons
• Reducing social pressure and online conflict
• Encouraging more positive, face‑to‑face interactions at social times
• Supporting students’ mental health and wellbeing

Students keep their pouch with them at all times—but it remains locked until the end of the school day.

How the System Works

Start of the Day

Students unlock their pouch at the front of school and lock their phone inside before entering the site.

End of the Day

Unlocking stations will be available at key departure points, including:

• The front of school
• The playground
• The bike sheds by the bus collection area

To prevent queues, multiple stations will operate simultaneously.

Late Arrivals / Early Departure

Reception has a dedicated unlocking station to support students arriving late or leaving early for appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Pouches

Do students buy the pouch?
No. Students rent their pouch for their time at Stratton and return it when they leave.

What if the pouch is lost?
Replacement pouches cost £15. Pupil Premium support is available.

Is the school responsible for phone damage?
No. Students remain responsible for their devices.

Can the pouch be used at home?
Yes—but it cannot be unlocked until the next school day.

Using Phones During the School Day

My child doesn’t bring a phone—do they still need a pouch?
Yes. Every student is issued a pouch to ensure consistency.

What if a student forgets to unlock their pouch?
The site is open until 4pm. They may also wait until the next morning.

Will my child miss their bus?
No. Partner schools using this system report no issues, and we will have sufficient stations to avoid delays.

Medical Needs

What if my child uses their phone for a medical condition (e.g., diabetes)?
A separate Velcro medical pouch will be issued. Evidence from a medical professional is required.

Communication During the Day

How can I contact my child?
Your child’s Student Support Assistant is the first point of contact. Reception can also pass on urgent messages.

How will my child contact me?
Students may go to their House Office Hub or Main Reception at any point during the school day.

Rules & Consequences

What if a phone is seen outside the pouch?
It will be confiscated. Updated confiscation periods will be shared with parents and carers as part of our policy review.

What if a student brings two phones?
Any phone seen will be confiscated.

Can the school confiscate phones?
Yes. This is supported by Department for Education guidance on Searching, Screening and Confiscation.

Safeguarding and Checks

Trained staff will conduct occasional spot‑checks of pouches, in line with national safeguarding guidance.

Daily Routines: Clubs & Activities

• Students unlock their pouch after school clubs have finished.
• Staff are on hand to support pupils who struggle with coordination.
• A temporary pouch will be issued if a student arrives without theirs.

Emergencies

In the event of a serious incident, the school will contact parents through MCAS, ensuring messages are accurate and from an official source.

How We Will Measure Success

We will monitor:

• A reduction in phone‑related incidents
• Improved calmness and focus across lessons
• Pupil and staff survey feedback
• Observed improvements in social interaction and behaviour

Final guidance will be published by June, following pilot trials and continued consultation.

Creating a Healthier School Environment

Thank you for your continued support as we work to create a school environment that prioritises wellbeing, learning, and positive social connections. We look forward to working closely with parents, carers, students, and staff as this important change is introduced.