April 2026: Ofsted will inspect mobile phone policies
From April 2026, Ofsted will inspect schools' mobile phone policies as part of its inspection activities.
Your mobile phone policy may be a stand-alone document or part of your behaviour policy.
Inspectors will:
- Discuss with leaders what their school's policy is on mobile phones and how this is communicated to parents/carers and pupils
- Evaluate whether staff and pupils understand the expectations around mobile phones
- Determine how consistently the school’s mobile phone policy is being followed and its impact on pupils’ learning, behaviour and wellbeing
This is set out in a GOV.UK blog post.
Take a look at our model mobile phone policy and guidance on managing mobile phones in school for more support.
12 January 2026: government proposes routine Ofsted inspections of MATs
The government has tabled an amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill on establishing a legal framework for routine Ofsted inspections of multi-academy trusts. This is in addition to existing inspections of individual schools in a trust.
Under the proposal, Ofsted would evaluate: