​**YONDR INFORMATION**

There has been much press coverage recently about smartphones and their impact on young people. Recently, a committee of MPs has suggested that any new government should consider a ban on smartphones for under 16, a point echoed by the Education Select Committee, which outlined some of the ‘serious dangers’ posed to children online.

The current school policy is that your mobiles are locked in lockers rom8:30am-4:05pm. The introduction of these Yondr pouches, whilst making your phones more secure, it not a huge change from the policy that already exists.

To further support our students’ well-being, Redmaids’ will introduce new measures regarding mobile phones from September. We want to provide space and time for our students to meaningfully connect during the school day and build positive habits of presence and engagement without a reliance on their mobile phones.

The Yondr Program uses a simple, secure pouch that stores a phone. Every student

will secure their phone in a personally assigned Yondr pouch when they arrive at school. Students will maintain possession of their phones and will not use them until their pouches are opened at the end of the school day. Students must bring their Yondr pouch to and from school each day and are responsible for it at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I want to reach my child during the school day?

We want all students to be engaged in their learning and the other opportunities that the

school day provides. If you need to contact your child during the school day, please contact

the main office at 0117 962 2641.

What if there is a school emergency?

In case of a school emergency, we direct our students to safety first, following our school

emergency protocol. Any necessary communications will then follow, in-line with school

policies for such instances.

What if I need to leave school before 4.05pm?

Whilst the unlocking stations will usually be available at 4.05pm in a variety of locations

around our sites, there will also be a station at reception for any student signing out early

for a medical appointment or similar.

Will my phone be safe?

Students are in possession of their phone - in their Yondr pouch - for the entire school day.

We will advise students to store the pouch in their lockers where it is completely safe.

What about Smartwatches?

We ask that smartwatches are also put in the pouches.

What if the Yondr pouch gets damaged or a student is caught on their phone?

If a student damages their Pouch or is caught on their phone, we will collect the

phone/Pouch and call home. Damaged pouches will be billed to parents at a cost of £30

Note: Damage consists of any signs that the physical integrity of the pouch has

been compromised, whether intentional or unintentional, as determined by the school or

Yondr staff.

What happens if a student forgets to open their pouch at the end of the day?

In Yondr’s experience across all of the schools in which they work, this almost never

happens. All students funnel past unlocking stations which will be distributed around our

school sites. They are highly likely to want their phones back and don’t forget to unlock

their pouches. If they do arrive home with a phone in a pouch, they can either come back to

school before 6pm to unlock it or have a phone free evening!

How quick is the unlocking process?

The unlocking process is quick and takes under a second per student. While students are

still getting used to how to unlock pouches, staff will be on hand with mobile unlocking

stations to stop queues forming in the first few weeks. If needed, extra unlocking points will

be added around the school site.

What if my daughter is away on a school trip or a sports fixture?

If your daughter is away with the school on a trip or fixture, she will be allowed to take her

phone with her but keep it locked away in her bag. She will not need to use the Yondr