Dear Parent/Carer,

As the new academic year begins, I would like to take a moment to connect with all parents and carers and provide some clarification regarding prohibited items within our academy, particularly in light of the new legislation regarding vapes and e-cigarettes, all in the interest of ensuring our students’ safety.

At Stone Soup Academy, our rules say that every student must hand their mobile phones upon entering the school premises. These phones are securely stored in a locked cabinet within our learning hub, accessible only to authorised staff members. They are returned to students at the end of the school day.

Furthermore, we kindly request that students refrain from bringing other electronic devices such as MP3 players, tablets, smartwatches, airpods/headphones, or handheld gaming devices to the Academy. Similar to mobile phones, these items should also be handed in upon arrival, securely stored in our learning hub, and returned to students at day’s end. These items are brought in at their own risk and the academy will not be responsible for them.

We have a zero-tolerance policy in regard to cigarettes, cigarette papers, lighters, and any smoking-related paraphernalia, including vapes and e-cigarettes. These items will be confiscated and properly disposed of by the academy. They will not be handed back to students or given to parents. It’s important to note that on May 30, 2023, the Prime Minister unveiled new initiatives to combat youth vaping, emphasising a commitment to preventing illegal vapes from entering schools through dedicated police school liaison officers.

Furthermore, we kindly request that students do not bring the following prohibited items onto academy grounds:

• Knives or any objects deemed as weapons
• Alcohol and any illegal drugs or drug-related paraphernalia, such as ‘grinders’
• Stolen items
• Fireworks
• Pornographic images
• Any aerosol products
• Any articles that have been or are likely to be used to commit an offence, cause personal injury, or damage property
• Any items banned by school rules, which have been identified as subject to search.

Any illegal items or items that are a risk to the safeguarding of our young people will be passed to the police.

Once again, I want to emphasise that any prohibited items will be confiscated and properly disposed of. We appreciate your attention to this matter, as it contributes to the overall safety and wellbeing of our young people.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and please be assured that we are committed to providing a safe environment for all students within and around the academy. 

Thanks a lot. 

Oli Sillito 

Assistant Principal – Personal Development Behaviour and Welfare 

Stone Soup Academy