Phone Pouches
Yondr Pouches
From June 2026 the school has implemented Yondr phone pouches for years 7 to 11. This decision is part of our ongoing safeguarding of students and to align with government guidance to make schools phone free.
Below are some frequently asked questions which may help:
Q- How will students be able to tell their pouches apart?
A - All students will have a card with their details on it to insert into their pouch, students will also be able to attach keyrings or similar to the loops on the pouches.
Q - What if my child does not bring a phone/device into school?
A - We ask that you write to confirm this to us. We will then issue your child with a termly pass. This will be reviewed each term to check there have been no changes.
Q - What should my child do if they come to school and have forgotten their Yondr Pouch?
A - The student should surrender their phone/device at main reception at the start of the day and will be given a day pass.
Q - What should my child do if they come to school and have forgotten their mobile phone/device?
A - The student should report this to main reception at the start of the day and will be given a day pass which states this. We may contact parents/carers to verify this.
Q - Are phones/devices allowed during clubs and after school activities?
A - No - they are not allowed at all on site, the pouches can only be unlocked when students are leaving the site.
Q - What are the sanctions for repeat offenders?
A - For second offences, phones/devices will only be released to parents/carers at the end of the school day and there will be an escalation of sanctions.
Q - Are there any medical concerns with using strong magnets?
A - Students with Diabetes Type 1 who use a pump system and monitor their insulin levels using an app have been provided with a velcro pouch and so do not need to interact with the magnets. Those who use pacemakers or have medical implants programmed by magnets should remain 2 feet away from the unlocking stations. For any further guidance please to refer to the medical device manufacturers guidance on safe distance with magnetic fields.
Q - How will you ensure students are following the rules?
A - To ensure our policy is adhered to we will be conducting random check of pouches and bags at regular times of the day.
Q - Can the Sixth Form still use phones?
A - The Sixth Form can continue to bring phones into school but they must remain out of site. Phones can only be used in the Common Room (at any time) or Verena Holmes area (break and lunch only). Other devices used for learning, such as iPads, can be used at other times.