school play photograph policy

[wheredidmyfeetgo]

Hello

Does anyone know the policy for taking school photos during a play. I have signed forms to stop anyone taking photos of my daughter in school and have now been told by the head teacher that i have no choice but to allow it in the school play even though it is a risk to her, myself and my other children if the pictures are seen by the wrong person.

Anyones help and advice would be very gratefully appreciated.

Thanks

[Mspontipine]

I don't know the policy but I would have thought your objection would have meant blanket ban, however disappointing this would be for all other families, children etc.

I would say that a school play is a pretty out there, indiscreet thing to take part in anyway, so if there is this risk would it not be wiser to withdraw her from it altogether?

[prh47bridge]

The policy is up to the school and/or the LA. The forms you have signed are likely to only apply to official photographs taken by the school.

Whilst some schools have cited the Data Protection Act as justification for preventing parents taking photos during school plays, the Information Commissioner has made it clear that photos taken for personal use are exempt from the Act. Some schools have cited the Human Rights Act which also does not apply. A lot of parents have objected to schools preventing photography of nativity plays and the like. Any attempt to impose a ban on photography may be unpopular with other parents.

I am unclear why you think allowing other parents to photograph your daughter is a risk to her, yourself and your other children. However, if the school intends to allow photography at the play the only action you can take is to ask the school to withdraw her from the play.

[BaroqinAroundTheChristmasTree]

agree with justabout. Even a blanket ban won't stop those parents who decide to covertly film it on their phone.

My DS's schools say that we can film and photograph to our hearts content so long as we keep them for personal use only and don't uploade to Facebook etc.

[LB29]

My DD's school does ban photos and videos during the school play but every year at least 10 parents have recorded it whislt I've been there. I would just take your child out of the way at these times. Sports day is another where you apparently can't take photos but it always happens.

[Lancelottie]

If she'd be heartbroken to be pulled out of it, could she be something needing a mask or all-over facepaint (sheep, cow, camel)? IIRC a child in a similar situation at our school was the hind legs of the cow on more than one occasion. Your headteacher should be able to come up with some solutions for you, surely?

[Mspontipine]

Oh wow what an amazing idea Lancelottie

[KnowNothing]

DS is only allowed to be photographed in certain situations at school (our choice) - so we had a letter home about the Nativity so ask if we would give permission. So did other parents who didn't give a blanket 'yes' permission.

I am sure your HT is in the wrong.

[Housemum]

if the school only allows photos but not video, perhaps you could ask if the school could do a "photo session" at the end? I've seen this done before, no videos allowed and cameras only at the end so as not to disrupt the play - your DD could then be ushered out by a teacher/you before photos taken.

I don't know your situation, but it does seem a shame that other parents can't have the opportunity to take pictures/video to show other relatives, or to look back on. I love seeing my nearly-adult daughter when she was at infant school.

Surely there is some form of compromise as others have said? A very costumed part, with face covered or disguised?

[prh47bridge]

KnowNothing - It is unlikely that the OP's HT is in the wrong, despite the fact that your school operates differently.

The school can choose whether or not to allow photography at the nativity play. They clearly cannot prevent parents from photographing selected pupils. As others have said, even if they ban photography that doesn't necessarily stop parents taking photos covertly.

The fact that your school operates in this way is their choice. It is likely that the OP's school allows children to opt out of official photos (class photos and the like). That is in line with the Data Protection Act and does NOT require the imposition of a blanket ban on photography at the nativity play.

[IloveJudgeJudy]

At my DCs' old primary if you did not want your child photographed you could "opt out". This might mean that your child would not be able to take part in a particular activity. I think that Lancelottie's idea is fantastic. I've never heard of it before.

The form that we all signed did make it clear that we were only to use the photos for our own personal use and they were not under any circumstances to be put on any networking site like Facebook, or indeed on the web at all.

[lilolilmanchester]

my DD participates in activities where filming is banned, which is a shame as we'd like a video record. However, we understand that "rules are rules" so we don't film. But believe me, people DO film, regardless of the rules. So if you have reasons why you don't want your children filmed, and regardless of what forms you have filled in, if you really truly don't want your children photographed or filmed, the only foolproof way is to taken them out.

[schoolsecretary]

Our policy is no photos During show but you can talk photo at the end of your child only