Photography Policy Statement

Sunderland schools have a photography policy, which is in accordance with data protection and human rights legislation. Photographs taken for curricular, assessment, security, registration, training and development or travel reasons will not be used for any other purpose. Publicity photography is helpful in publicising the success of the school and in promoting educational initiatives. From time to time members of the press and media are invited into schools to cover events celebrating success. However, the views of parents who, for any reason, do not wish their children to appear in such photographs will be respected at all times, as will the views of the senior students, themselves in secondary schools.

School Trips

Photography by staff on school trips and visits may be used in the curriculum and displayed within the school or at parents’ evenings to illustrate the work of the school. Parents may be allowed to purchase a copy of a photograph of their individual child, or as part of a group, if the parents of the other children in the group are in agreement.

Concerts/Plays/Prize giving/Sports Days

If photography is permitted, parents and guests should take care to avoid distracting pupils and the audience. They should observe any constraints imposed by school staff. Video or sound recording of a copyright musical or theatrical performance is normally forbidden and photography may also be restricted for reasons of child protection or out of respect for the rights and privacy of individuals. If so, photography opportunities will, instead, be arranged before or after a performance or an event, if possible.

If parents are unsure whether or not permission has been given by staff to record a particular performance or event, parents should ask the Headteacher.

School Photographer

Class and individual or group photographs are annual school events. Parents are asked in advance whether or not they wish their children to be included in these events. Reputable commercial photographs are involved and the law allows them to retain the copyright in the photographs