Lady Margaret 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
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. Lady Margaret 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.
This policy seeks to achieve a practical balance to secure the above
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
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.
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.
Parental consent must be obtained.
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 For example, shots of children in a pool or shoulder up would be appropriate.
Where we have been informed that a child is subject to a court order then we will never use their image.
We will ensure images are stored securely, especially where electronic, and used only by those authorised to do so.
Ensure file names given to electronic images of pupils do not identify the child e.g. maryjone.jpg.
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Approved by:
Published:
September 2024
Last reviewed on:
September 2025
Next review due by:
September 2026