Consultations
Letter of 13/05/2024
Dear parents/carers,
I am writing to you today to share the outcome of the recent consultation regarding the use of mobile phones and SMART watches by pupils attending AST schools. The consultation period began on April 15th 2024 and concluded on Friday May 10th 2024.
Firstly, I would like to express my thanks to all the parents/carers who took the time to participate in this important consultation process. Your feedback and engagement are invaluable as we strive to create the best possible learning environment for our pupils.
After careful consideration of the feedback received, it is clear that there is overwhelming support for the proposed approach to mobile phone use within Avanti schools. Out of 1028 respondents, a significant majority (close to 90%) expressed agreement with the following guidelines:
| Pupils attending an Avanti school will only be permitted to use their mobile phones or SMART watches before or after school, but not on school premises. Sanctions will be in place for pupils who infringe these rules, including confiscation of their devices by school staff. Confiscated devices will be securely stored within the school, and parents will be promptly informed to arrange for collection. Infringements may lead to the withdrawal of permission for pupils to bring mobile phones or SMART watches to school, and repeated infringements may result in further sanctions as outlined in the school’s behaviour policy. |
Based on this feedback our schools will be proceeding with the implementation of the approach outlined above. Schools, where necessary, will make immediate amendments to their existing behaviour policies to incorporate these expectations. These changes will come into full effect after the upcoming half-term break.
Once again, thank you for your participation and support throughout this consultation process. Together, we are committed to fostering a positive and conducive learning environment for all our pupils.
If you have any further questions or concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school directly.
Mike Ion,
Education Direction
Avanti School Trust