1.1. Durdans Park Primary School needs and welcomes positive publicity. Children’s photographs add colour, life and interest to materials and articles promoting school activities and initiatives. This can increase pupil motivation, staff morale and help parents and the local community identify and celebrate the school’s achievements.
1.2. However, in order to respect young people’s and parents’ rights of privacy and because of potential child protection issues, photographs must be used in a responsible way. Durdans Park Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.
1.3. This policy seeks to achieve a practical balance to secure the above.
2.1. Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), schools need to have a ‘lawful basis’ (legal reason) for processing personal data this includes photographic
images of children.
2.2. Public task one of 6 lawful bases for processing personal data so this means we do not require consent to hold a copy your child’s photograph in their electronic pupil record as we require this to support safeguarding in the school. This also applies to images recorded on CCTV cameras which are for safeguarding of staff and pupils. Use of CCTV cameras is covered under a separate policy which is available on the school website.
2.3. Consent is the lawful basis which applies in relation to processing personal data in this case photographs in publications such as the school prospectus, website or areas in the school where visitors have access.
3.1. Parental consent must be obtained.
3.2. Images of children in suitable dress will be used – photos of children engaged in PE or swimming present a greater risk of potential misuse. In these cases the content of the photograph should focus on the activity, not a particular child; should avoid full face and body shots. For example, shots of children in a pool or shoulder up would be appropriate.
3.3. Where we have been informed that a child is subject to a court order then we will never use their image.
3.4. We will ensure images are stored securely, especially where electronic, and used only by those authorised to do so.
3.5. Ensure file names given to electronic images of pupils do not identify the child eg maryjones.jpg.
4.1. As long as parental consent has been secured, newspapers may publish photographs of pupils but must not publish names alongside them. They may however refer to group photographs collectively for example Class AB or x school Year 6 football team.
4.2. Pupils must not be approached or photographed whilst at school (or engaged in school activities outside school) without the permission of a member of staff.
5.1. The parental consent form will explicitly include publication on the school website.
5.2. Where possible the school will use technology to prevent the misuse or downloading of images placed on the school website for example watermarking, and browser restrictions.
6.1.The appropriateness of photographic images earlier outlined also applies to video / film images.
6.2. We recognise that parents, carers and family members wish to record events such as school plays, sports days etc to celebrate their child’s achievements. However it is important that such records remain private and for their own personal use.
7.1. Will be given a clear brief about what is considered appropriate in terms of content and behaviour.
7.2. Wear identification at all times.
7.3. Will not have unsupervised access to children or one-to-one photo sessions at events.
7.4. Will not solicit photo sessions outside the event or at a pupil’s home.
8.1. Camera phones may be used at school events as outlined above. It is not acceptable to be used in any other circumstances. Camera phones are prohibited in any of the EYFS areas.
9.1. On admission of a pupil to the school parents/carers are asked to sign Consent form for using images of children. This form is valid for seven years from the date of signature, or for the period of time the child attends Durdans Park Primary School.
10.1. Under Article 7(3) of GDPR pupils/parents/carers have the right to withdraw consent at any time and it must be as easy to withdraw consent as to give it. If consent is withdrawn, pupils/parents/carers have the right to have the photographs erased and this data can no longer be used for processing.
11.1. Parents should follow the school’s normal parental complaint procedures in most cases. In the case of concerns regarding the use of photographs by the press, they should contact the Press Complaints Commission or the Office of Communications (OFCOM) in the case of TV companies.
12.1. This policy will be reviewed by the Governing Body annually in line with the child protection policy, in view of the continual advances in technology and in response to significant views expressed by parents, staff and pupils (if appropriate).
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Governing Body Sub Committee:
Teaching and Learning
Published:
November 2015
Review Date:
May 2018
Next Review Date:
Summer 2021
Author:
A Hancock