Mobile Phones in Alternative Provision: Our Approach at Futures

From April 2026, new national guidance will come into effect encouraging schools to operate as mobile-phone-free environments during the school day. Ofsted has confirmed that this guidance will be reflected in inspections, with a focus on how settings manage mobile phone use in ways that support learning, behaviour and young people’s wellbeing.

At Futures, we welcome the intention behind this guidance. Reducing distraction, protecting young people from online harm, and supporting positive engagement with learning are all important goals.

However, as an alternative provision, we also recognise that the needs of the young people we support are often very different from those in mainstream education.

Not a school – but working closely with schools

Although Futures is not a school, we work in close partnership with local authorities, commissioning schools and other education professionals. We aim to align with national guidance and best practice wherever possible, to ensure consistency for young people and families and to support smooth collaboration across services.

At the same time, our role as a therapeutic alternative provision allows us to take a more individualised and trauma-informed approach when needed.

Understanding the role of mobile phones for some young people

Many of the young people who attend Futures experience high levels of anxiety, trauma, neurodiversity, disrupted education or complex emotional needs.

For some, a mobile phone is not simply a distraction. It can be:

• a source of reassurance and emotional safety

• a way to self-regulate during periods of distress

• support during transitions or unfamiliar situations

• a tool that helps them remain engaged rather than overwhelmed

Removing this abruptly can sometimes increase anxiety, avoidance or emotional shutdown, which ultimately creates a greater barrier to learning and progress.

Our approach: flexible, therapeutic and individualised

For this reason, our approach to mobile phones will remain flexible, therapeutic and centred on the individual young person.

In practice, this means:

• We will maintain clear expectations and boundaries around mobile phone use.

• Where a young person has an emotional, medical or safeguarding need, access to their phone may be permitted during sessions.

• Any exceptions will be agreed through individual risk assessments and “Keeping You Safe” plans.

• Phone use will be purposeful, supported by staff, and reviewed regularly.

• Decisions will always prioritise wellbeing, safety and meaningful engagement in learning.

Where appropriate, we will also gently support young people to build alternative coping strategies and gradually reduce reliance on their phone over time — when they feel ready and safe to do so.

Putting wellbeing first

At Futures, we believe emotional safety is the foundation for learning. When young people feel calm, understood and supported, they are far more able to engage, build confidence and move forward positively.

We will continue to review our policies in line with national guidance, work closely with our education partners, and communicate openly with families about our approach.