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.⬇️
- SEN Parent Support Group™ – Supporting Parents Through EHCPs, SEND Law, Neurodiversity and Advocacy
- Child Unable to Start Their New School or New Year?
- Understand how Early Help, CIN plans, reasonable adjustments, and EHCPNA all interact and why referrals are likely to increase under the new DfE absence and inclusion guidance.
- At Tribunal and need Case Management Support? The SENDIST Guardian is your wrap around support, here’s why!
- NEW ‘ONE TOUCH’ TRIBUNAL PILOT FOR SECTION I APPEALS
Understanding SEND
- EOTAS & AP: The real legal tests and current to SEND reform comparison
- LETTER: Post 16 SECTION 19 – Formal Letter to LA or Stage 1 Complaint
- GUIDANCE: SEND Need Descriptors For IEP via APDR
- QUICK GUIDE: Example SEND Graduated Response (How APDR is approached In Schools)
- RESOURCE: Executive Functioning
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
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)
