Heritage Coast Federation has become one of the first primary school federations in North Yorkshire to introduce lockable smartphone pouches for Year 5 and 6 pupils, taking a proactive approach to creating a smartphone-free learning environment before smartphones become an issue in school.

Working in partnership with nynet and North Yorkshire Education Services, the federation has implemented a smartphone-free solution developed specifically for schools. The lockable phone pouches form part of a wider range of solutions created collaboratively with schools to help them respond to emerging challenges, meet the latest Government guidance and create safer, more focused learning environments.

Like many primary schools, very few Heritage Coast Federation pupils currently bring smartphones into school but as increasing numbers of children walk to and from school independently, parents often want the reassurance that their child can contact them before and after the school day.

Headteacher Helen Thompson wanted to strike the right balance by allowing pupils to bring a phone or smartwatch while ensuring it remains securely locked away throughout the school day.

She said:

“We don’t have a smartphone problem and we’d like to keep it that way. We recognise that many families choose these devices for communication and safety reasons. Our aim is simply to ensure that, during the school day, pupils can focus on learning, friendships and play without the distractions and pressures that connected devices can bring. This is about normalising a smartphone-free school culture before smartphones become an issue.”

The initiative reflects a growing recognition that helping children develop healthy digital habits should begin in primary school, long before smartphones become an established part of everyday school life.

Chantal Anselme of nynet, said:

“Having worked with more than 200 schools across North Yorkshire as their trusted technology and network partner, we’ve developed a real understanding of the unique challenges schools face. The smartphone-free pouches were developed to provide a practical, education-focused solution that supports both pupils and staff. We work closely with each school to plan, implement and support the solution, ensuring it integrates smoothly into school life and delivers the outcomes they want to achieve.”

Keren Wild, of NYES Digital, added:

“We’re delighted to see Heritage Coast Federation leading the way by taking a proactive approach rather than waiting for smartphones to become a challenge. Planning ahead helps schools create the best possible learning environment, allowing pupils to focus on learning and wellbeing. Smartphone-free pouches are just one of a suite of solutions developed by nynet. Every solution includes implementation support, training and ongoing guidance, giving schools the confidence to introduce this new initiative successfully and sustainably. As schools continue to explore ways of supporting pupil wellbeing and reducing digital distraction, Heritage Coast Federation’s proactive approach demonstrates how primary schools can establish healthy digital habits from an early age.”

Whether you’re actively considering a smartphone-free school policy or simply exploring the options available, we’d be happy to have an informal conversation. Every school is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Drawing on our experience of working with schools across North Yorkshire, we can help you understand the practical considerations, share examples of how other schools have approached implementation, and explore what might work best for your setting. Whether you’re a primary school looking to establish positive digital habits early or a secondary school responding to increasing smartphone use, we’re here to provide independent advice and support every step of the way.