Communication limits with allowed contacts in Watch

My son has an iPhone 14 paired with a Watch SE. Not using family sharing. I have his screen time configured from my phone, but I’m finding some unexpected behavior. Mom and I are configured as allowed contacts under communication limits. During downtime, I tested and I can call him and he can send me messages from the iPhone. But on the Watch he gets the Communication limit when he tries to message or call me. At school he is not permitted to have his phone out, and it’s always stowed in his bag. If I need to send him an urgent message, he is unable to see it from the watch. I do not want to check his phone during school. His screen time is configured for downtime during school hours. Anyone with else experiencing this or know how to fix it? Thanks

Currently iOS 17.5.1, WatchOS 10.5.