Purpose and Scope

Kirsty Bowen Photography works with children and families in school and event settings, providing professional photography services. This policy ensures that:


• Children and young people involved in my services are protected when photographs or videos are taken.
• My approach to capturing and using images aligns with safeguarding principles and legal requirements.
• Parents, carers, and schools understand how images will be used and stored.

This policy applies to all staff, contractors, and anyone representing Kirsty Bowen Photography.

Legal Framework

This policy is based on UK safeguarding laws and guidelines, including:

• The Children Act 1989 & 2004
• The 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 work in line with the school’s safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• I will never have unsupervised access to children.
• I will wear visible identification at all times when working in schools.
• Never publish personal information about children, such as names, school name or class 

My Commitment to Safeguarding

I believe that:

• Children should never experience harm, abuse, or exploitation.
• Parents, carers, and children must have control over how their images are used.
• Consent is only valid if parents understand exactly how images will be used and stored.

I recognise that:

• Sharing images can carry risks if not handled responsibly.
• No personal details (e.g., child’s name, school, or class) will ever be published.
• Parents and carers can withdraw consent at any time by contacting me directly.

Consent

• Consent for photography is always obtained and confirmed by the school or nursery, not directly by me or from the children.
•  Where consent is not given, I will use discreet systems agreed with the school (e.g., coloured stickers) to ensure a child is not photographed, without singling them out. I will never exclude a child from an activity because we do not have consent to take their photograph.

All photography is planned and consented in advance to ensure I:

• Follow a clear brief on appropriate content.
• Wear visible identification at all times.
• Not have unsupervised access to children.
• Only feature children in marketing materials with explicit, separate parental consent.

Image Use for Business Marketing

• Images for my website, portfolio, or marketing are only used with seperate, explicit parental consent.
• All promotional photography is planned in advance and agreed with parents and schools.

Storing Images Safely


• Images are stored securely on password-protected business systems.
• Files are not stored on unencrypted devices such as personal phones or USB sticks.
• Hard copies of data/photos are kept in locked storage.
• Only business-owned equipment is used for photography.
• Images are retained for the agreed ordering period (up to 18 months) and then securely deleted, unless specific marketing consent has been given.

Insurance

 • Kirsty Bowen Photography holds Public Liability Insurance and Professional Indemnity Insurance.
 • Evidence of insurance can be provided to schools upon request.

Contact Information & Reporting Concerns

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

This policy is reviewed annually.

Policy last reviewed: January 2025
Signed: Kirsty Bowen