Watch my reaction to the government's new smartphone guidance in schools
- Jan 22
- 1 min read
The Education Secretary appeared to miss the point of my question.
Though I do welcome the government’s expansion of free school meals, I was asking about smartphones in schools and the knock-on impact their presence have on teachers.
It is clear too much admin and poor pay are driving teachers out of the profession. But so too is pupil behaviour and it is evident that this improves markedly once phones are out of schools.
This week, the Government announced Ofsted would have immediate powers to check policies on phone use when it inspects schools and expects schools to be phone-free by default.
This is a step in the right direction, but giving Ofsted this power is the wrong approach.
Headteachers have repeatedly told me they feel the government is shirking responsibility on this issue, whereas what they need is backing, particularly to convince concerned parents of the merits of a ban.
They need support from the Government, not additional stress during inspection time.
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