Mobile phone use is currently being evaluated across our Trust family of schools as we anticipate further national changes being rolled out soon as part of safeguarding requirements.

With this in mind, we are taking the opportunity to reflect on our current procedures and ask families to support us as we tighten up our mobile phone practices.

Mobile phone use is not permitted on our site, other than in designated areas such as our office areas for staff, or at other times at the discretion of the Headteacher, such as to photograph or video performances. This applies to all members of our school community including staff, parents and children. Many elements of this are working well.

Children who bring phones into school for a specific reason should have this agreed with the Headteacher beforehand, such phones should be handed in to the school office and remain there until the end of the school day. This practice is adhered to and working well.

Visitors who attend school are required to hand in their mobile phone as part of the signing in process. Some visitors carrying out specific maintenance or inspection tasks may need to use their phone, this will be at the discretion of the Headteacher, the visitors may need to be accompanied by staff depending upon their task. This practice is adhered to and working well.

Parents and Carers who attend school are not permitted to use phones at drop off and pick up on the playground or at school events such as workshops or DEAR. This is to ensure appropriate and respectful phone use in line with our safeguarding procedures, enabling parents to be vigilant, present and focussing on the children’s safety and needs. We need to ensure that all families adhere to this, so we ask you kindly to respect the rules of our site and only use mobile phones when permitted to do so.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Mrs Lyall

Headteacher.

This information has been prepared by our 318 Trust IT Director and Safeguarding lead, January 2026. 

Important Safeguarding Information

We are raising awareness of image manipulation and “deepfakes” – technology that can create realistic but fake images of real people.

This is increasingly being misused to create inappropriate images of young people and staff in schools.

What you need to know:
– Creating manipulated explicit images of under-18s is a criminal offence
– Young people often do not understand the seriousness
– Any photo shared online can be copied, edited, and redistributed
– Both girls and boys can be victims

Please talk to your child about:
– Being careful what photos they share online
– Never creating or sharing manipulated images of others
– Reporting concerns to you or school staff
– Not forwarding images if they see them

If your child is affected:
– Contact our DSL immediately: Mrs Penny Lyall, or Deputy DSL’s Mrs Ceri Williams and Miss Jenny Darmanin.
– Stay calm and supportive – reassure them it is not their fault
– Do not view or forward any images
– We will work with you and appropriate agencies to support your child

If you have immediate concerns, please contact school.

Key Points for Follow-Up Questions:

Q: What if it was just a joke?
A: It is still illegal and causes real harm. The law does not have an exception for jokes.

Q: What if the person gave permission?
A: Creating explicit images of anyone under 18 is illegal, even with consent.

Q: What happens to someone who does this?
A: Serious school consequences (including exclusion), police involvement, and potentially a criminal record.

Q: What if I already saw/shared something?
A: Do not share it further. Delete it. Tell a trusted adult now.

Q: What if it is already everywhere online?
A: We can work with the Internet Watch Foundation to remove images. Report it.

Our Easter church service has been rescheduled and the date confirmed as Friday 20th March at 2pm, St Luke’s Hodnet.

Thank you for your continued support, contributing to the continued success of our school. This term has showcased many highlights, from musical and dance talent opportunities within our Trust, to exciting trips and visitors and a super successful careers week. Our children have showcased their brilliance in many ways and made our school both happy and successful. They have worked their socks off in class and been kind friends outside, ensuring our values shine out at all times. As we approach the end of the year, we reflect on the achievements of the year and can feel a strong sense of pride to be part of Hodnet School.

We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a very happy new year, and look forward to continued happiness and success in 2026.

Mrs Lyall, and all at Team Hodnet.