Would the school let a kid use a non phone mobile in the classroom?

[RubiaPTA]

Basically my son uses an old mobile that has no sim in for music. He starts reception in September and he'll need to use it at school but I just had a thought. Would they not allow it because it's technically a phone?

Why would he need music in school?

Eh? Why does he need music in school?

He needs it?

If this is because of additional needs it should be included in his care plan which the school will work with you to create.

If not he will not be allowed it, phone or not.

I’m assuming it used as a therapeutic tool? You’d be best speaking to the school. It’s my understanding that if a child needs any extra support or tools it’s often written into a plan for them so teachers etc are aware. Prob best to have something in place before September!
Only issue I can think is if it has a camera or if music will be distracting other pupils

Would only be allowed as part of an EHCP and I'm fairly sure school would require it to be non internet enabled and with no camera function.

If not part of an EHCP I expect he won't be allowed it.

They might prefer him to use their equipment to listen to music if he needs to. I doubt they would want to be responsible for a mobile phone in reception.

Maybe a phone isn't ideal, could you afford a cheap mp3 player for him to take instead? Does the same thing but without added complications such as having a camera etc?

In what context does he “need it”? If you have compelling reasons with evidence, it might be allowed, for example as part of an EHCP.

For sensory overload. I did ask them way back when i first saw the school about music. They said it would be ok but I never said phone. Oh I mean he uses it with headphones

Or a basic iPod? (Assuming it is for a plan as others have said)

iPods & music players are banned in most schools. If a child needs one in those circumstances it would need to be discussed with the school. They may even provide equipment.

Ah I see, that makes sense.

Yes swap for an MP3/iPod type thing if possible.

Does he already have an EHCP?

My school has a CD player and headphones already. Presuming he doesn't need them all the time they could set up a corner for when he needs time to calm?

It'll be tricky to exchange it. He smashes things alot and he wouldn't be good with anything without a screen. He'd need it to walk down the hallway and maybe the playground, not just the classroom. He doesn't have an EHCP yet. I guess I'll just have to try to persuade them to allow it

I’m sure the school will have dealt with similar before and can give you advice. Try not to worry yet, but maybe Contact the school on Monday to get the ball rolling on the plan, if possible. Will he need a transition period of he needs to swap to a different device?

Speak to the school, esp their SENCO. If he relies on this so much I would also press for an EHCP because it is then easier for the school to implement measures.

My DD’s school has to SEN units next to mainstream and children move also into mainstream for some of the lessons. In the beginning or if new children join there is a moment of “why are these children allowed xyz and we aren’t “ so be prepared for comments from other parents if there is no larger SEN percentage in your DS’s school.

If it doesn't have a SIM it isn't a functioning mobile; can't see why it'd be any different to having say an ipod touch (you could probably pick up an old one of those for not much if necessary). The teachers are going to have to know exceptions are made for him anyway re music.

Could you substitute for a basic mp3/4 player instead. However if it is sensory overload is music not just adding to it, perhaps ear defenders would be an alternative.

The issue won't be the phone, it will be the camera! In my school, staff and students aren't allowed anything (phones, laptops, iPads) that have the ability to take photos in school where there are other children.

If the camera's an issue they could just paint or stick something over the lens. Easier than teaching a 4 yr old to use a non touch screen MP3 player I'd have thought. Anyway, advice above was good - get the conversation started now so you have plenty of time to make whatever arrangement is agreed.

I'm a special needs TA in reception, I would very much prefer not to have a phone in school, I would allow it if you could convince me there was no other option but you'd need to have a good argument for it. The reception child I support uses a cheap, basic MP3 player in school, they use a phone at home but I asked for that not to come in because

1. a small MP3 player clipped onto their clothes is far less noticeable and less likely to get lost or broken, left somewhere or wandered off with by other children (because reception children are small and at the start of the year don't always know not to wander off with other peoples things or the difference between another child's possession and the classroom toys they are allowed)

2. it only plays music, whereas a phone potentially has many distracting apps and judging by the toy phones in the role play area would still be distracting even if you took everything off it just because its a phone that lights up.

3. I don't want to be responsible for anything valuable, especially if its something I'm going to have to let on the playground with a 4 year old (Ipod touch would be the same issue) A cheap MP3 player can be replaced easily if anything happens to it at school, means that it can stay in school and was cheap enough that I have a spare.

I think it would be sensible to spend the next few months introducing him to something more likely to be suitable. Maybe an ipod shuffle (if you can still get one) as it would clip discretely to clothing.

I think there will be issues with the phone- camera, other kids taking it to play with, it being put down and lost, it being put down and stood on.

Ideal scenario would probably be to get him used to some really good noise-cancelling ear defenders.

I agree that it maybe better if he can wear/clip it on him, so less chance of losing. Especially if your ds is likely to sent to above years. My ds was a fiddler. He always kept something in his pocket. Blue tack/buttons/lip cream etc. Times he got upset because other(older) children taken off him and not returning it....the distress it caused him....it was horrible, even for the things easily replaceable.

he is very very likely to break or lose it. You could be paying out a lot on replacements.

The school cannot foot the bill so be prepared.