Dear Parent/Carer of Year 7 Students,

As we look towards your daughter completing Lower School and preparing to transition to Middle School, I am writing to share an important update about how St Philomena’s supports students with digital technology in developing healthy, smart habits with mobile technology. We know smart devices play an important role in family life, but they can also have a significant impact on focus, wellbeing and behaviour when used at the wrong time. As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting our students wellbeing and learning, St Philomena's will be introducing a mobile phone management initiative called 'Blackout' for all Year Key Stage 3 students from 2026/2027. The App has been trialed for all Year 8 students this academic year 2025/2026 and has been extremely successful. This App is being fully funded by the school.

Blackout is a school supported app which is a carefully considered digital solution that reflects our school’s values and is rooted in our mission "To seek, to know, to love Christ". This initiative demonstrates our commitment to creating an environment where students can grow spiritually, academically, and personally, free at times from digital distractions.

During school hours, from 08:20 - 14:45hrs not 3pm, the app will temporarily disable non-essential phone functions while maintaining emergency contact capabilities. This approach is designed to reduce mobile phone distractions, promote healthy digital habits, and support our students' mental health and academic focus. Mobile phones must still be locked in student lockers throughout the school day. Blackout has been trialed with all Year 8 students at St Philomena’s and it forms part of our ICT Acceptance and Behaviour policies. By embedding Blackout into the school day, we are taking a proactive step to support student wellbeing, safeguarding, and academic progress. This also reflects national guidance, including the Department for Education’s (DFE) 2025 wellbeing expectations and Keeping Children Safe in Education. St Philomena’s has aligned with national policy while responding to the needs of its students and families. The most effective approach comes when school, parents and carers, and students all work together — combining Blackout in school with positive routines and conversations at home.

We appreciate that this is new for Year 7 St Philomena’s families, and we will be working closely with students, parents & carers of Year 7, and staff to ensure a smooth and supportive introduction. We will be hosting a remote Google Meet webinar on Monday 13th April 2026 at 6pm with Blackout, where you will be able to find out more details and ask any questions you may have. Here is the link for the Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/zea-sobs-zcw

If you have any further questions or are unable to attend, please contact your daughter’s Head of Year at year7@stphils.org.uk or visit the Blackout Education website for FAQs and support links. https://www.blackout-technologies.com/education. Similarly, I have linked a supporting Parent and Carer Information Pack with further information.

The Blackout App will be rolled out to all Year 7 with a smart phone during PSHE Period 1 on Friday 17th April 2026 and your daughter will be expected to have the Blackout App on her phone from Monday 20th April 2026.

Thank you for your support as we begin this new summer term. We look forward to building a school culture where technology is used wisely, responsibly, and for the benefit of all.

Yours faithfully,

Ms A Hudspith
Head of Middle School