Schools and phones

Sir, – Further to “Mobile phones set to be banned across all second-level schools under new Government plans” (News, August 21st), why is the Minister for Education micromanaging what happens in schools?

School principals and their staff are best placed to develop individual school policies, and manage their schools in a way that meets the needs of their students and local communities.

Instead of being “in a space” where she is thinking about mobile phones, could Norma Foley not focus instead on the more enduring strategic challenges within our education system? A lack of secondary school places in some areas; inadequate provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities; teacher recruitment and retention; or persistent inequalities in education outcomes are just some of some of the issues that come to mind.

Perhaps the Minister and her department should shift to a more strategic “space” and let school principals get on with running their schools. – Yours, etc,