safeguarding

Safeguarding POLICY

Safeguarding is of utmost importance. I am fully committed to protecting the safety and privacy of all individuals, particularly children, in every aspect of my work.

Purpose and Scope

This policy applies to all photography and video work I carry out in schools, nurseries, and event settings. It ensures that:
  • Children and young people are protected when photographs or videos are taken.
  •  My approach to capturing and using images follows safeguarding principles and legal requirements.
  •  Parents, carers, and schools understand how images are collected, used, and stored.

This policy applies to anyone representing or working with Kirsty Bowen Photography, including contractors or assistants.

Legal Framework
This policy follows UK safeguarding and data protection law, including:
  • Children Act 1989 & 2004
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
  • Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR
  • Guidance from the NSPCC and Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

Safeguarding Responsibilities
  • I hold an Enhanced DBS certificate, subscribed to the Update Service. A copy can be provided to schools on request.
  • I always follow the school’s safeguarding and child protection procedures.
  • I never have unsupervised access to children.
  • I wear visible identification at all times when on school premises.
  • I never publish personal information about children (names, class) without explicit consent.

Commitment to Safeguarding
  •  Children should never experience harm, abuse, or exploitation during my work.
  •  Parents and carers have full control over how their children’s images are used.
  •  Consent is only valid if parents understand exactly how images will be used and stored.
  •  Sharing images carries risks if not handled responsibly.
  •  Parents and carers may withdraw consent at any time by contacting me directly.

Consent (Safeguarding Focus)
  • I will only take photographs of children if the school has confirmed in writing that parental or guardian consent has been obtained.
  • Children without consent are managed discreetly and respectfully and are never singled out or excluded from activities.

For full details on how consent is obtained, managed, and used, please see the Image Consent Policy.

Storing Images and Data
  • Images are stored securely on password-protected business systems.
  • Hard copies of photos or data are kept in locked storage.
  • Only business-owned equipment is used; no unencrypted personal devices.
  • Galleries shared with parents or schools are password-protected.
  • Images are retained for the agreed ordering period (up to 18 months), unless explicit marketing consent allows longer retention.
  • School information and financial records may be retained for up to 5-7 years for business and tax purposes.
  • Any suspected or confirmed data breaches involving children’s images will be reported immediately to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and handled according to GDPR requirements, including notifying the ICO if required.

Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
  • Any concerns identified during my work are reported immediately to the school’s DSL.
  • If a child is at immediate risk of harm, I will follow statutory guidance and contact the relevant safeguarding authority.
  • All concerns and actions are recorded and retained according to statutory guidance and best practice.

Insurance
 • I hold Public Liability Insurance and Professional Indemnity Insurance.
 • Evidence of insurance can be provided to schools upon request.

Changes to This Policy
I may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, or my working practices. Schools and parents will be informed of significant updates where relevant.

Contact
For any concerns about safeguarding or image use, please contact:
Kirsty Bowen - Business Owner
Email: hello@kirstybowen.com

This policy is reviewed annually.

Policy last reviewed: January 2026
Signed: Kirsty Bowen