Are teachers allowed to search primary school children?

[Mrs TP]

My daughter is reluctant to go to the up-coming junior school disco, which is on the school premises but after normal school hours, as the children were told in a recent assembly that they will be searched on the way in for mobile phones. There is a strict ban on mobiles. She does not have one but does not want to be searched. I am quite happy to back her decision but wonder if there is legal perspective that strengthens our position.

[alice]

course they can - pockets and bags i mean not the fbs

[Saila]

If they don't search there's no fun in sneaking stuff in. Where's the sport in just taking the phone in your pocket?

I loved rules like this. It just gave us more thrills when we successfully broke them.

Totally in favour of search. I was awful at school. Teachers need support not questioning like this!

[cuppa tea]

Saila, I don't understand your point. You think the teachers should be supported to make rules, so that the kids can have fun breaking them? Personally I think it's assuming all the children are guilty and showing a total lack of trust and respect. Why bother to follow the rules when you have to be searched anyway? Why are mobiles banned? Odd rule to have in the 21st century. If adults were all searched as they walked into their work place it would seem totally outrageous! Why should it be any different for children?

[minder]

Mrs TP, it's good that the school has a strict ban on mobiles. Couldn't you mention to your daughter's teachers that she doesn't own one and is a bit worried about the search issue. I shouldn't think they will do a full body search (that would be a bit much) but I would be ok if my daughter had her pockets and bag checked.

[Fuschia]

http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/advice/f0076897/screening-searching-and-confiscation

[Mrs TP]

Thanks Fuschia v. helpful.

cuppa tea - I don't like the assuming all kids are guilty either.

I also don't know why the phones are banned from the disco but we don't have one (yet!).

[tiddles]

probably so as to avoid the usual hassle of phones being lost/stolen and then parents getting cross and trying to hold the school responsible?

[Mrs TP]

I emailed the head today re the searching. She responded that was not the message given out in assembly but that mobile phones would be confiscated.

My issue is with the searching not the rights and wrongs of mobiles in school, although I do find a blanket ban on them quite strong