Smartphone consultation feedback to shape Cabinet discussion on schools guidance

Schools, families, and partners across West Northamptonshire are being updated following the completion of a public consultation on the use of smartphones in schools, the findings of which will be considered by Cabinet next month. The consultation attracted significant engagement from pupils, parent...

The consultation, which took place earlier this year, has now closed and the data has been fully analysed. Feedback from local schools played a particularly important role, helping to build a clear picture of local views and reflecting the strong commitment shared across the community to supporting children and young people’s learning and wellbeing.

The findings highlight areas of broad agreement as well as differing perspectives on smartphone use in schools. These insights will help inform the Council’s approach to any future guidance, with a report setting out the consultation outcomes and proposed next steps due to be considered by West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet in June.

This local work is being reviewed alongside developing national policy, ensuring that any approach taken aligns with government expectations while continuing to respect the professional judgement of headteachers and governing bodies.

Schools across West Northamptonshire already take a range of approaches to managing smartphone use, reflecting the needs of their pupils, school communities and individual contexts. Any future guidance will be designed to support schools rather than prescribe a single approach, recognising that school leaders are best placed to determine what works in practice.

A summary of the consultation findings, along with further details on next steps and opportunities for engagement, will be shared with schools shortly.

Schools in West Northamptonshire already work hard to create the right learning environments for their pupils, and it’s important that any future guidance supports that professional leadership. The consultation has given us a clear understanding of local views, and this will now be considered through Cabinet alongside national direction, ensuring our approach remains balanced, proportionate and focused on what is best for children and young people.Cllr Michael Stratton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at West Northamptonshire Council