Creating a More Focused, Connected and Positive School Day

At Valence School, we are committed to providing a calm, safe and purposeful learning environment where every student can thrive. As part of this commitment, all students are required to secure their mobile phones in a school-issued Yondr pouch during the school day.

This approach is not about banning technology. Instead, it is about creating the right conditions for learning, wellbeing and positive social interaction while helping young people develop healthy and responsible digital habits.

 

Why are we using Yondr pouches?

Improved Focus and Learning

Mobile phones can be a significant distraction, both inside and outside the classroom. Notifications, messages and social media can interrupt concentration and reduce engagement in learning.

By keeping phones securely locked away during the school day, students are able to:

• Concentrate more fully in lessons
• Engage in learning without digital distractions
• Participate confidently in discussions and activities
• Make the most of every learning opportunity

 

Supporting Student Wellbeing

Today's young people are growing up in an increasingly connected world. While technology offers many benefits, constant access to phones and social media can sometimes create unnecessary pressure and anxiety.

A phone-free school day helps students:

• Take a break from notifications and online pressures
• Be more present in their learning and social interactions
• Develop a healthier balance between online and offline life
• Focus on their own wellbeing and personal growth

 

Building Stronger Relationships

Some of the most valuable moments of the school day happen outside lessons.

Without the distraction of mobile devices, students are encouraged to:

• Talk and collaborate with their peers
• Develop communication skills
• Build stronger friendships
• Participate in activities during social times

We want our students to connect with one another, not just with their screens.

 

Developing Healthy Digital Habits

Technology is an important part of modern life, and we want our students to become responsible digital citizens.

The Yondr system helps students learn:

• When and where technology is appropriate
• How to manage digital distractions
• The importance of balancing screen time
• Responsible and respectful use of devices

These are essential life skills that will benefit students long after they leave school.

 

How does the Yondr system work?

Students may still bring a mobile phone to school.

Each morning:

1. The phone must be switched off.
2. The phone is placed inside the Yondr pouch.
3. The pouch is locked.
4. The pouch is stored in the student's bag.

Students keep possession of their phone throughout the day but cannot access it until the end of the school day when the pouch is unlocked.

This means phones remain secure while allowing students to focus fully on school life.

 

Working Together

Parents and carers play an important role in helping young people develop positive habits around technology use. By working together, we can support students in building healthy relationships with digital devices while ensuring that school remains a place where they can learn, grow, socialise and thrive.

Thank you for your continued support as we strive to provide the best possible learning environment for every student at Valence School.

 

Mobile Phone Policy Expectations and Sanctions

To ensure that this approach is fair, consistent and effective for all students, we will continue to apply our Mobile Phone and Pouch Policy expectations across the school.

Students are expected to:

• Arrive each day with their phone switched off.
• Secure their phone in their Yondr pouch.
• Keep the pouch locked throughout the school day.
• Store the pouch safely in their school bag.

Where these expectations are not met, the sanctions below will be applied consistently.

Mobile Phone Policy Sanctions

Correct use

• Phone switched off.
• Placed securely in the pouch.
• Pouch locked and stored in a bag.

Refusal to use a pouch or failure to hand in

• Device confiscated and held for one day.
• Returned at the end of the school day.

Cheating or attempting to bypass the system Examples include:

• Hiding a phone
• Using a second device
• Presenting a different device

Sanction:

• Device confiscated and held for one day.

Damage or vandalism to a pouch

• Parents/carers contacted.
• Device confiscated for five school days.
• A charge of £15 may be applied towards repair or replacement costs.

Persistent breaches of the policy

• Device handed in daily to a member of the pastoral team.
• Meeting held with parents/carers to discuss further support and expectations.

 

Our Values

This approach supports the values that underpin life at Valence School:

Respectful • Resilient • Independent • Positive • Passionate

Together, we are creating a learning environment where students can achieve their best, develop positive relationships and enjoy a healthy balance between technology and school life