Photographs and mobile phone use policy

The Centre will follow the guidelines set out by Surrey Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB) with regard to using images of children: photographs, videos, websites and webcams.

• 
  No photographs or videos will be taken without signed consent by the child’s parent or carer.
  
• 
  Parents/carers have the right to withdraw consent at any time but must do so in writing.
  

When planning to take photos we will endeavour to

• 
  Take general shots of group activities.
  
• 
  Ensure images of children in suitable dress.
  
• 
  Consider alternatives e.g. their work instead of their image.
  

When identifying children we will use the Department for Education (Dfe) advice which is;

• 
  If the child is named, avoid using their photograph. If the photograph is used, avoid naming the child. We will therefore use the minimum information.
  

• 
  We will not use photographs of children supplied by a third party unless we have checked that the third party owns the copyright of the photograph and we will then obtain written or verbal permission to use it.
  

• 
  Occasionally photographs may be taken by the press at some of our events. Again we will obtain written consent from the child’s parent/carer before any photographs are taken, and we will check that the press photographers are aware of the sensitivity in detailed captioning, one to one interviews and close photography.
  

• 
  We will avoid using personal details or the full names of any child who has been used in any promotional material.
  

• 
  We require parental consent before any child can appear in a video; however parents can record events for their own personal and family use as they are not covered by the Data Protection Act
  

• 
  Photographs will not be placed on our website without prior discussion with the children’s parents/carers.
  

• 
  Parents are not permitted to take photographs or to make a video while attending sessions. We frequently take photos of the children for publicity use and require parents to complete a consent form before using any images.
  

• 
  We will not have use of a webcam within the Centre.
  

• 
  Photographs will be stored securely for authorised use only and disposed of either by returning to the child’s parents or by shredding as appropriate. Digital images are protected on our secure computer system.
  

• 
  We will check any photographer or agency who wishes to take photographs at the Centre to ensure that the correct vetting procedures have taken place.
  

• 
  The Centre’s cameras will be stored in a secure place and be made available only to staff working in the Centre.
  

• 
  Parents are advised to speak to the Centre Manager if they have any questions.
  

• 
  All staff are aware of the need to protect children from harm.
  
• 
  All staff have a clear understanding of what constitutes the misuse of mobile phones and know how to minimize the risk.
  
• 
  All staff are vigilant and alert to any potential warning signs of the misuse of mobile phones.
  
• 
  All staff are responsible for their own behaviour regarding their use of mobile phones and should avoid putting themselves into compromising situations, which could be misinterpreted and lead to potential allegations.
  
• 
  All staff are aware of the need for professional boundaries and are given clear guidance regarding the acceptable use of mobile phones in the Centre setting.
  
• 
  All staff are aware of the importance of reporting concerns immediately.
  
• 
  All staff are aware that the recording, taking and showing of images, video and audio on any mobile phone is not permitted unless authorized by the Centre Manager who will make sure it is monitored and recorded.
  
• 
  All mobile phones are open to scrutiny and the Centre Manager can withdraw or restrict authorisation at any time.
  
• 
  All staff who are required to carry a mobile phone (outreach worker) only make or receive calls in a designated area.
  
• 
  Staff only use their personal mobile phones for emergencies and not for personal use when working in the Centre.