Photographic Images in Schools

St Gerard’s RC Primary School part of St Hilda’s Catholic Academy Trust.

Photographic Images of Children Policy

1. Introduction This policy provides guidance on the appropriate use of images of children of St. Gerard’s Primary School. It covers still, video and electronic photographic images wherever they are used. The guidance is for staff who wish to use images of children in education and should be read in conjunction with the E-Safety Policy.

St. Gerard’s School will make full and proper use of photographic images while meeting the law and preserving the safety of children. This policy focuses on issues around rights of privacy, child protection and copyright ownership.

2. Typical Uses of Photographs

 Key skills for PE, including dance and movement  Concerts, performances, parent evenings.  Sports days and sports fixtures and the use of photographic equipment by parents and carers.  Media including newspapers and television.  Displays in school  School prospectus  School web-site.  Staff training and professional development activities.  Publicity material for other agencies.

3. The Local Management Board

The LMB will ensure that the governor responsible for safeguarding is aware of and supports all necessary policies and procedures.

4. Good Practice

The following advice represents good practice in the use of photographic images involving children.

1. When taking photographs of children consent from parents/carers will be obtained. 2. Photographs of children will be used for the intended context. 3. Photographs will not be used to illustrate sensitive or negative issues. 4. When photographing children we will: a. Ensure all children are appropriately dressed. b. Ensure that photographs of individual children and/or groups of children include their learning context. Photographs of individual children will not be used on the school website. c. Children will only be identified by their Christian names in photographs St Gerard’s RC Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Page 1 St. Gerard’s Primary School part of St Hilda’s Catholic Academy Trust.

d. Use photographs that represent the diversity of the children participating. e. Not use images that are likely to cause distress, upset or embarrassment. f. Report any concerns relating to any inappropriate or intrusive photography to the head teacher. g. Remember the duty of care and challenge any inappropriate behaviour or language. 5. Stored images will be regularly reviewed and unwanted material deleted.

5. Parental Permission a. Permission will be obtained by issuing the Photographic Image Release form when a child joins the school, and then annually thereafter. The form covers the school when using photographs in publications and on web-sites. b. When a parent does not agree to their child being photographed, the Head of School will inform staff and make every effort to comply sensitively. c. Specific permission will be sought when children are attending events at venues other than school

6. Parents Evenings, Concerts, Presentations

To allow the appropriate recording of children’s images by parents/carers we will:  Ensure that children are appropriately dressed;  Be aware of any child who should not be photographed;  Monitor the use of cameras and anyone behaving inappropriately.  Ensure all parents agree to the recording of any performances

7. Children Photographing Each Other

This practice can occur in planned curriculum time and extensively during offsite activities, particularly during residential visits. Staff will monitor the use of cameras and will confiscate them when necessary. Inappropriate images will be deleted or destroyed.

This policy will be reviewed on a regular basis

St. Gerard’s Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.