Photographs and video
Schools: Use of photographs and video for publicity
The advice below relates solely to the use of images by schools for their own publicity purposes. See also separate advice on:
Is taking photographs of children in school illegal?
No, but you need to be aware that taking such photographs may be
affected by legal requirements or individual school or local authority (LA)
policy.
Does the Department have a policy for schools on the use of
photographs and video images for the school's own publicity
purposes?
No, schools and LAs are free to decide on their own policies relating
to the use of such images or the release of associated information for their
own publicity purposes. You are advised that the photographs and
video images of pupils and staff may be classed as personal data under the
terms of the Data Protection Act 1998. Therefore using such images for school
publicity purposes may require the consent of either the individual concerned
or in the case of pupils, their legal guardians. Parents can seek advice from
the Information Commissioner's Office if they have any concerns regarding
data protection issues.
What do you mean when you talk about 'own publicity
purposes'?
This means that school should not display images of pupils or
staff on websites, in publications or in a public place without such
consent. The definition of a public place includes areas where
visitors to the school have access.
Should full names and photographs of children be used for such
purposes?
It is recommended that:
- if the photograph is used, avoid naming the pupil
- if the pupil is named, avoid using their photograph.
Can schools keep copies of such images?
Yes, but schools should let the person being photographed know whether
or not the image will be retained for further use, and ensure that the images
are securely stored and only used by those authorised do so.
Last updated: 27 January 2010
