Why is Ruskin a phone-free Academy?

Mobile phones should not be used, seen or heard around the Academy.  Being a phone-free academy is a positive thing for students, because:

•it reduces distractions for students, allowing them to make the most of every minute and be ready to learn;

•it safeguards students;

•it can help to protect student wellbeing.

Expectations about mobile phones are clear, have been positively framed and will continue to be revisited in order to embed these norms and values.  This is one of the 5 key Ruskin Routines:

Put simply, phones should be off and away at the Academy gates and stay away until students have left the gates at the end of the day.  If students have a medical need for their phone, they will be issued with a card and this will be communicated with all staff.  Sixth formers are allowed their mobile phones downstairs in the Pavilion (sixth form area) only.  Under no other circumstances should phones be used, seen or heard on the main Academy site at any time of day.  This includes the use of smart watches and earphones.  Teachers will never plan learning, research or assessment activities that require any student, at any key stage, to use their mobile phone.

We see this as a proportionate and sensible approach to limiting the distractions mobile phones can have to learning and encouraging students to understand when and how to use technology appropriately.  We continue to spend time in form time and assemblies frontloading this routine, and appreciate your support in maintaining these expectations.  Please see the DFE Guidance for further information.

What happens if a mobile phone is used, seen or heard on the Academy site?

The vast majority of students follow expectations regarding mobile phones.  There will be a very small number, however, who do not and we will need to manage this behaviour.  It is important that sanctions are applied consistently to ensure fairness.

• If a mobile phone is used, seen or heard on the Academy site, it will be confiscated and locked away in student reception.  In the first instance, students can collect their phone at the end of the Academy day.  You will be made aware of this through the Class Charts app.
• If a mobile phone is used, seen or heard on the Academy site for a second time, it will be confiscated and locked away at student reception, but students will not be able to collect their phone until the end of the NEXT Academy day.  You will receive a text message to inform you of this.

We do not want to confiscate mobile phones.  Only three students in the whole Academy had their mobile phone confiscated for a second time last academic year.  We would like to assure you that the expectations and rationale are so clear that this is an exceptionally rare occurrence.