15 July, 2026
Phone Pouches
A new sitewide ban
Building on our current practice to minimise smart phone use at school, and in response to guidance from the new Welsh Government, the headteacher will introduce a complete sitewide ban from September 2026.
The school aims to improve overall feelings of wellbeing by helping children to feel safe and connected with their peers and the wider school community. Smart phones are distracting and impede social interaction which is essential for human development.
In lessons, too, we wish for learners to be able to focus, getting their most out of classes without the temptation of checking a phone every few minutes. This is important for a culture of aspiration in which children are pushing themselves to achieve as highly as possible.
A smart phone-free school is less likely to be negatively affected by issues of cyberbullying or the type of toxic algorithms which cause children to worry.
The sitewide ban will apply to all children in Years 7 to 11.
As Cabinet Minister, I fully support – and strongly encourage – headteachers to introduce clear and robust restrictions on mobile phone use during the school day.
Introducing 'QuietCase'
The school will provide to every child a signal-blocking pouch for their smart phone called 'QuietCase'. When children arrive to school, they will secure their smart phones in their QuietCase and place into their school bag until the end of the day. As children leave school, they will unlock their pouch using one of the unlocking stations.
Do I have to pay for the pouch?
No. The school will cover the cost of each pouch.
Do I have to pay to replace the pouch if I break it?
Yes. Damaged or lost pouches will need to be replaced at a cost of £15.
If my phone breaks whilst in the QuietCase, is it the school’s fault?
No. You will retain your phone throughout the day in your bag and are responsible for it. The QuietCase is padded and adds additional protection.
Can I just leave my phone at home instead?
Yes!
Can I personalise my pouch?
No. The pouch is the property of the school and must be looked after.
Will the pouch fit all phone sizes?
Yes.
Does the pouch have a tracker?
No.
What if I need my phone for medical reasons?
By arrangement, children can be provided with a medical pouch for their phone.
How QuietCase works
1. Phone goes in, zip and lock
The unique zip design features a lock button. Simply press to lock. Now the phone is secured in the QuietCase.
2. No distractions during school
When the phone is in the QuietCase, it won’t have any signal. No notifications. No screen access. No distractions.
3. Unlock at the end of the day
A QuietBase unlocking station is required to unlock the QuietCase. Just tap the button and open the zip to release. QuietBases will be placed around the school for access at the end of the day.
Frequently asked questions
What do children do upon arrival to school?
Children who are in uniform, with full equipment and their QuietCase attend the 'Ready to learn' door as present. They will be greeted by a Youth Worker who will observe each child secure their phone as they enter the building.
What if a child forgets their pouch?
Children who forget their QuietCase will attend the 'Not ready to learn' door. A Youth Worker will provide a spare pouch for the day which must then be returned. Repeatedly forgetting your QuietCase may lead to a consequence.
What if a child is late to school?
Children arriving late will attend the 'Not ready to learn' door to be greeted by a Youth Worker. They will then secure their phone in the QuietCase in the usual way.
What if my child hides their phone (or another phone) on their person or in their bag?
The usual school behaviour processes will apply, including consequences for not following the correct procedures. Senior staff may choose to exercise their legal powers to search and confiscate in accordance with statutory guidance to ensure the smooth running of the school.
What will happen if you are caught with a phone in school?
Any phones that are not secured in a QuietCase will be confiscated and retained by the headteacher for one week. This consequence is designed to act as a strong deterrent and encourage the best possible behaviour from children.
What if I damage my QuietCase (accidently or deliberately)?
Any damaged case will need to be replaced. The cost will fall to families. Deliberate damage will result in a consequence.
Can phones be used on school transport?
Yes. Children will secure their phones upon arrival to the building, and release their phone as they leave.
How do parents contact their child in an emergency?
Parents and carers should always telephone the school in an emergency.
What happens if we do not agree with this approach?
It is our expectation that every child, supported by their parent or carer, meet the school's expectations of good conduct. If you do not wish to use the QuietCase, you must leave your phone at home instead. Mobile phones are a 'non-negotiable' at St Teilo's.
Further information
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us in the usual way. A series of lessons about QuietCase will be held during induction in September so that everybody is clear on what we are doing and why we are doing it.
