Camera and Image Policy(relates to mobile phones with cameras, cameras, tablets and portable gaming devices with inbuilt cameras)
Introduction
The use of cameras should be considered an essential and integral part of everyday life. As such, children and young people and early years practitioners are to be encouraged to use this technology in a responsible way.
It has to be recognised however that digital technology has increased the potential for cameras and images to be misused and inevitably there will be concerns about the risks to which children and young people may be exposed.
Practical steps must be taken to ensure that the use of cameras and images will be managed sensitively and respectfully. A proactive and protective ethos is to be reflected which will aim to promote effective child protection practice.
It must however be acknowledged that technology itself will not present the greatest risks, but the behaviours of individuals using such equipment will.
The Camera and Image Policy will apply to the use of any photographic equipment. This includes mobile phones, tablets and portable gaming devices with inbuilt cameras as well as other forms of digital technology and resources for storing and printing images
Aim
The Camera and Image Policy will aim to ensure safer and appropriate use of cameras and images through agreed acceptable use procedures. This will be in line with legislative requirements and will aim to respect the rights of all individuals.
Scope
TheCamera and Image Policy will apply to all individuals who are to have access to and/or be users of work-related photographic equipment. This will include children, parents/carers, practitioners, managers, volunteers, students, visitors, contractors and committee members. This list is not to be considered exhaustive.
Responsibilities
The designated person for child protection (Sam Nesbitt) is to be responsible for ensuring the acceptable, safe use and storage of all camera technology and images. This will include the management, implementation monitoring and review of the Camera and Image Policy.
Legislative Framework
This policy complies with the requirements of:
- The Data Protection Act 1998
- Freedom of Information Act 2000
- Human Rights Act 1998 As well as other relevant Acts regarding the taking and use of photographic images of children.
All images will be used in a manner respectful of the eight data protection principles which state that images will be:
- Fairly and lawfully processed
- Processed for limited and specific purposes only
- Used in a way that is adequate, relevant and not excessive
- Accurate and up to date
- Kept on file for no longer than is necessary
- Processed in line with an individual’s legal rights
- Kept securely
- Adequately protected if transferred anywhere else.
Where necessary, registration as a data controller will be applied for to allow personal information to be processed.
Code of Conduct
All early years practitioners and managers must ensure that the policy and procedures included here are to be adhered to at all times. The Camera and Image Policy must be considered in conjunction with all other relevant policies (Acceptable Use Policy and Child Protection Policy).
The use of cameras and other photographic equipment is only to be authorised by the designated person for child protection (the Manager and Deputy Manager). Practitioners should only use such equipment for purposes relating to their roles and responsibilities at Riccall Pre-school.
Cameras and other photographic equipment will be designated for work-related purposes only. Individual cameras must be kept at the setting.
The use of personal photographic equipment is not permitted. Whilst on duty (working with the children) mobile phones belonging to staff, volunteers and students will be stored in a locked box or cupboard. The key to the box/cupboard will be stored in the main playroom, in clear view of all staff on duty.
The use of personal USB (memory) sticks, the transferring of images via free unfiltered web mail or via mobile media is not acceptable. Should remote access be given to servers or systems where images are to be stored, access will only be given as authorised by the DPCP.
The DPCP must reserve the right to view any images taken and/or to withdraw or modify an individual’s authorisation to take or make images at any time. ‘Spot checks’ on cameras, memory cards or sticks will be carried out by the Manager and/or Chair of Management Committee. Practitioners and managers must ensure that all images are available for scrutiny and be able to justify any images in their possession.
The DPCP is responsible for ensuring the safe storage of all images, in accordance with the Camera and Image Policy.
Practitioners and managers are to have a duty to report any concerns relating to potential misuse. Clear whistle-blowing procedures are in place (see Whistle Blowing Policy) including anonymous reporting of misuse or abuse.
Consent
General signed consent to take photographs or record images of children is requested on admission. Parents/carers confirm consent on the Registration Form. The purpose for taking any images is to be clearly explained and agreed. Parents/carers are asked to notify the setting immediately if consent is no longer given. The consent will cover the taking of images for general purposes, such as photographs that document children’s learning, staff training purposes (internally and externally) and displays (in and out of the setting). Since young children often learn through their play with others, photographs and notes will often include other children in the setting.
It should be recognised that some children will be more vulnerable than others, e.g. disabled children, looked after children, those with a child protection or child in need plan, children with English as an additional language, children from minority groups and those who have been subject to domestic abuse. Extra precautions must be taken when photographing or displaying images of vulnerable children.
Individuals who do not have parental responsibility, such as childminders, friends or other relatives will not be able to give consent.
The parent/carer will reserve the right to refuse or withdraw their consent at any time. Partial or restricted consent may also be given where deemed necessary by the parent or carer.
Images of children no longer at the setting will not be used, unless specific consent has been obtained for this.
Images
Riccall Pre-school recognises that children could be exposed to potential risk if images are misused. It understands that dealing with any concerns regarding the taking of indecent images will often raise further anxieties and will make individual staff and parents feel uncomfortable. However, it must be acknowledged that the first step towards minimising danger will have to be a fuller understanding of what constitutes a risk and what behaviours may compound it.
Procedures
- The purpose and context of any proposed image must always be considered. Is a photograph the most effective option for capturing the intended information?
- Sensitivity must be shown to any child or adult who is uncomfortable with having his/her photograph taken. Coercion must not be used to encourage a child to agree to being photographed.
- In order to avoid placing adults and children in vulnerable positions, taking photographs of children in one-to-one situations is to be avoided wherever possible.
- Unnecessary close up pictures of children are to be avoided wherever possible.
- No child is to be favoured in photographs. All images taken should represent the diversity of the children who attend Pre-school.
- Images which could be considered to cause distress, upset or embarrassment must not be used.
- Photographs of children must only be taken when they are in full and suitable dress. If children are participating in sport activities, careful consideration must be given to the appropriateness of taking such pictures and the angle at which shots are taken.
- The taking of photographs in toilet cubicles, changing areas or other sensitive areas is not permitted at any time.
- Children’s full names will not be shown alongside their photographs in displays within the setting. Children’s names will not be shown at all when their photographs are part of displays shown externally.
- It is not permitted to upload photographs taken at Pre-school to any social networking site (Twitter, Facebook, My Space etc.) without specific consent from parents.
- It must be understood that consent must also be sought from adults shown in images. Consent does not just apply to children.
- Practitioners must consider all the above procedures when supervising children taking pictures of other children to ensure the safety and comfort of all concerned.
- Staff must not use mobile phones to photograph children during observations.
- Parents and visitors are not permitted to use mobile phones on pre-school premises and therefore cannot use them to photograph children.
- Pre-school cameras, memory sticks/cards must not be taken away from the premises.
This policy was adopted at a meeting of Riccall Pre-school Management Committee held on:
Date:______Signed: ______
Chairperson, Riccall Pre-school Management Committee.
This policy was adopted at a meeting of Riccall Pre-school Management Committee held on:
Date:______Signed: ______
Chairperson, Riccall Pre-school Management Committee.
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