Like many primary schools, Heritage Coast Federation had very few pupils bringing smartphones into school. However, as more children began walking to and from school independently, parents increasingly wanted the reassurance of knowing their child could contact them before and after the school day.
The federation wanted to strike the right balance—allowing pupils to bring a smartphone or smartwatch where appropriate, while ensuring it did not become part of the school day or distract from learning.
Rather than waiting for smartphone use to become an issue, the federation decided to take a proactive approach.
Working with nynet and North Yorkshire Education Services (NYES), Heritage Coast Federation introduced lockable smartphone pouches for Year 5 and 6 pupils.
Developed specifically for schools, the smartphone-free solution enables pupils to bring their devices into school while keeping them securely locked away until the end of the day. The implementation included practical planning, guidance and ongoing support to ensure a smooth introduction for staff, pupils and parents.
The initiative forms part of nynet’s wider portfolio of education technology solutions, developed in collaboration with schools to help them respond to emerging challenges, meet Government guidance and create safer, more focused learning environments.
By introducing smartphone-free pouches before smartphone use became commonplace, Heritage Coast Federation has created a positive school environment where pupils can focus on learning, friendships and play, free from the distractions of connected devices.
The approach also provides reassurance for parents while helping children develop healthy digital habits that will support them as they move into secondary education.
“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.”
Helen Thompson, Headteacher, Heritage Coast Federation
With experience of working alongside more than 200 schools across North Yorkshire, nynet understands that every school is different. That’s why every smartphone-free solution includes planning, implementation support, staff guidance and ongoing advice, helping schools introduce new initiatives with confidence.
“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. 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.”
Chantal Anselme, nynet
As more schools consider how to support pupil wellbeing and reduce digital distraction, Heritage Coast Federation is demonstrating that taking action early can help establish positive digital habits before smartphones become part of everyday school life.
Whether you’re introducing a smartphone-free policy for the first time or simply exploring the options available, nynet provides independent advice, practical implementation support and solutions tailored to your school’s individual needs.
Every school is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. We’d be happy to have an informal conversation about your plans, share how other schools have approached implementation and help you explore what might work best for your setting.
Get in touch with the nynet team to start the conversation.
Call 01423 598 210 or email enquiries@nynet.co.uk