Every few years, a new education headline sweeps across the country and right now, it’s the Government’s push for “mobile phone free schools.”
Schools are being told they’ll be “backed” to enforce strict bans, Ofsted will check compliance, and from June onwards many families are receiving letters announcing zero‑tolerance policies.
For most families, this is an inconvenience. For SEND families, it’s a panic.
Because for many autistic, ADHD, PDA, or sensory‑sensitive children, a phone isn’t a social device it’s a regulation tool.
A single earbud with low‑level music can be the difference between:
- meltdown or stability
- shutdown or participation
- overwhelm or access to learning
So, when schools send out blanket statements like:
“We only allow exceptions for medical needs such as diabetes. “We cannot authorise phone use for emotional regulation or SEMH.”
…it hits differently.
It feels like a door slamming shut on invisible disabilities.
And here’s the truth: That position is not supported by law.
Let’s break this down clearly, calmly, and factually so SEND parents know exactly where they stand.⬇️
- Inclusion Guidance vs. Inclusion Law: What Parents and Professionals Need to Know
- NEW DfE ATTENDANCE COMMUNICATION GUIDANCE – WHAT IT MEANS FOR PARENTS
- When the SENDIST Tribunal Gets It Wrong!
- Can The LA Reject S19 for Post 16?
- Post‑Tribunal: What Happens When Local Authorities Don’t Deliver on SENDIST Orders?
Understanding SEND
Communicating With School
- LETTER 4: To School following receipt of Formal Attendance Letter
- LETTER 3: To School Based on 3rd Attendance Letter Received
- LETTER 2: ATTENDANCE RESPONDING TO (BELOW 90% ATTENDANCE LETTER)
- LETTER 1: Responding to EARLY AWARENESS Letter from School (before 90% absence)
- LETTER: To School Requesting Reasonable Adjustment for Mobile Phone
All Things EHCP
- LETTER: To LA When They Refuse to Reassess
- LETTER: Stage 1 LA on Grounds of Maladministration During EHCP NA Process
- LETTER: To LA – Refusal to Assess Decision Made via Misapplied Law
- LETTER: Post 16 SECTION 19 – Formal Letter to LA or Stage 1 Complaint
- LETTER: To LA (Formal Notice) When Amendments Not Applied to Draft
Attendance, Exclusions & Sanctions
Complaints
- LETTER: To LA When They Refuse to Reassess
- LETTER: Stage 1 LA on Grounds of Maladministration During EHCP NA Process
- LETTER: Post 16 SECTION 19 – Formal Letter to LA or Stage 1 Complaint
- LETTER: To School Requesting Reasonable Adjustment for Mobile Phone
- RESOURCE: How To Write A Structured / Impactful Complaint (LA or School)
