Wording for your policy

Two reasons this belongs in the behaviour policy rather than in a standalone document. It picks up your existing sanctions without restating them, and it puts devices on the list of items pupils may be searched for, which a separate policy does not automatically do.

Main clause

Adapt freely

Mobile phones and smart devices with comparable functionality may not be used or accessed at any point during the school day, including lessons, the time between lessons, break and lunchtime.

A device is treated as comparable where it can send or receive messages, capture images or audio, connect to the internet, or display notifications to the pupil.

Optional exception

Only include this if you have decided to allow a category of non-phone device. Plenty of schools will decide not to, and that is a legitimate position.

Adapt freely

A connected safety device that has no screen and none of the functions listed above is not treated as a mobile phone under this policy.

Where a family wishes a pupil to carry such a device, it must be declared to the school office in advance and recorded. The device must remain in a bag or pocket throughout the school day and must not be handled by the pupil on site. The school may withdraw this exception at any time, for an individual pupil or generally, where the device causes disruption or raises a concern that cannot be resolved.

Adaptations for individual pupils

Adapt freely

The headteacher may adapt this policy for an individual pupil where required to support a medical condition, to make a reasonable adjustment for a disabled pupil, or where other exceptional circumstances make an adaptation appropriate. Any adaptation will be recorded, with the reason for it, and reviewed at least annually.