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AIBU?

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Original poster

Pissed off with teacher filming DD. What to do?

98 replies

AnInchWasPinched · 31/08/2017 10:39

We signed a form last year stating photos were allowed but films were not unless prior agreement with us.

We did this because DS has SN and we didn't want potentially for his classmates to get hold of films used in class and spread them etc. There was no mention of what they would do with the films, when they would delete them, where they would be used, who would have access to them etc and when I queried it with the head, he'd not thought of this issue. We didn't do a blanket ban as DS has physical issues which make it hard for him to write so if they gave a choice between a video or poster presentation further up the school we didn't want him to not have a choice.

Felt we had to put the same for DD.

Last night, parents information evening. Two videos of DD shown.

We have had major issues with this teacher and the treatment of our DS. But I'm itching to say something because she got her DH to come in a photograph and video the kids for the day, but she's not allowed to video DD! DH reckons it will only antagonise her and you can't reason with people like her and it could affect how she treats DD. She would happily make a point of singling a child out rather than e.g. making her stand at the edge of the group and just not filming the children at the edge of the group.

I don't know what to do. I don't feel she should get away with it, what if she happens to film DS (fortunately no longer in her class) at some point too? On the other hand DH has a very valid point.

OP posts:
MaisyPops · 31/08/2017 12:33

What I would be much more concerned about is that the teacher was getting her DH to come in and film/photograph
As you say if he is accompanied then he doesn't need a DBS check.
Equally, we have a stash if school cameras so if we do a trip or anything then we take the photos on the school camera and edit in school.
If he's supervised and using a school camera which stays on site then I wouldn't think there's anything wrong there.

Doomhutch · 31/08/2017 12:33

Why would the staff tick a box? I filled out the form?

Because they're entering it on the computer system for class teachers/whoever else to access. So the teachers don't have to go through a paper file in the office every time they take a photo.

fleshmarketclose · 31/08/2017 12:35

Maisy that's good to read. I don't remember that being on the permission slips at dd's school though. We will get another through next week no doubt as they are 6 monthly from what I remember and so I will be sure to check.
It seems to work for dd at her school for now anyway. Dd isn't photographed, her classmates seem unaware of this fact and so assume it is done with discretion and school contact me regarding planned photographs if there is a possibility of dd being involved.

Original poster
AnInchWasPinched · 31/08/2017 12:39

I think school can use videos in school for school purposes

This was definitely not mentioned on the form.

And as I said, we have allowed photos, just not videos.

If DS didn't have physical SN, just ASD, then we would have done a blanket ban on videos without any caveat.

One video was of the class as a whole sitting in a semi-circle. Video panned around the class and then back to the middle for the end. DD was sat in the middle. She could so easily have been sat at the edge of the semi-circle and so left off the film but not left out of the activity.

The other video was of the children doing gym, she ran into the film whilst it was focussed on another child (that I could accept) and quickly out, but then the film turned to focus on the apparatus that she was on (with 2 others).

I asked the head about the last situation Maisy and he said he couldn't rule it out as they are including more and more media in classes now due to the ever increasing use of technology.

They have access to their own accounts only. Staff have access to their own accounts only. That was technically true when I was at school. Except it wasn't.

OP posts:
babyschmaby · 31/08/2017 12:40

Hate to read and run but very quickly (before my phone dies)

It sounds like you already have an issue with the teacher which is likely to cloud your opinion on this matter.

Her husband's DBS status means nothing.

Of course you're free to speak to the data controller or whomever else you'd like but you need to rethink what outcome you're after.

If assurances it won't happen again then an email to the right person will be fine.

Out of interest, were your child's SN affected by this?

ladyvimes · 31/08/2017 12:44

On one hand they have ignored your wishes, which is wrong and upsetting, however, this is also a massive safeguarding issue. Is the husband dbs checked by the school? Was he using a personal camera to video the children or one that remains in school and only used for school? This has massive implications for the school's safeguarding policies and should definitely be brought to the headteacher's attention. Very concerning.

TheHungryDonkey · 31/08/2017 12:52

I've worked with children who are not allowed to be filmed or photographed in school full stop. They need to be kept safe and photography accidentally escaping would jeopardise their safety. I managed to film and take photos at school events, trips and performances the child was taking part in without capturing him. It's not a difficult request at all and can be easily done without the need for editing. YANBU to complain.

Original poster
AnInchWasPinched · 31/08/2017 12:58

Ok, the exact wording:
I agree that photos of DC or parents may be published e.g. in publications (printed), within the framework of a project, the school magazine, project reports, documentation used for day-to-day school life.

No, we do not want videos of DC or parents to be published. (Exceptions are not excluded, but only after discussion with parents)

I understand that this declaration will be valid until my child leaves the school. I can alter this declaration at any time, in writing. This is valid only for future publications, not for previous publications.

OP posts:
ragged · 31/08/2017 13:03

"I don't know what to do."

It sounds like what matters is safeguarding your DC, which is why you withheld permission in first place. So work towards that status you were trying to achieve. (Or did you want to escalate this to something resembling a feud?)

Get in touch with office/HT's PA & explain that you don't want your DC to be in films, please remove her from all existing film material. You don't have to give a reason. Remind them you did not tick the box so please check their records to make sure this doesn't happen again. Ask them to let you know when they have deleted all relevant films. Say you look forward to hearing from them soon.

You can do all that calmly, you don't have to talk about teacher who filmed without permission. This is about safeguarding your DC... isn't it?

Does seem odd you were ok with still images but not films, though. Easy enough to bully using a still image (esp. if photoshopped).

MaisyPops · 31/08/2017 13:12

AnInchWasPinched
That really surprises me that he's open to media going home for projects etc.
We do media studies courses in our school and have used school tablets etc and we don't allow that. I think he's opening a can of worms going down that route.

On the accounts thing. I'm not aware of any students having got into staff drives. I know people did it when I was a kid but security is more stronger now.
Only time I can recall anything close was when a supply teacher who I used to work next door to left their room with the computer logged in and the students tried to change their password. Silly of the teacher not to lock their computer before nipping out

Original poster
AnInchWasPinched · 31/08/2017 13:16

One of our biggest concerns. They just don't seem to have thought it through! There are no plans in place yet. They board of governors are discussing an appropriate policy. I know this because they called me to discuss my concerns before a meeting.

OP posts:
Original poster
AnInchWasPinched · 31/08/2017 13:18

I'm wondering if "I'd just like to remind you about the photo/video permission form we signed." is ok to say when I go to pick up DD later.

OP posts:
gillybeanz · 31/08/2017 13:23

They shouldn't film children without the appropriate permission, but you can't expect them to leave your dd in the shot and not film the edge of the group.
What about those on the edge who gave permission, you can't expect them to be left out because you object.
I do agree that your dd should have been singled out of the group if no permission given.

Original poster
AnInchWasPinched · 31/08/2017 13:28

But if she was last in line gilly why is that difficult? All other kids are filmed, just not her and the other kids won't notice.

OP posts:
NancyJoan · 31/08/2017 13:28

I'm wondering if "I'd just like to remind you about the photo/video permission form we signed." is ok to say when I go to pick up DD later.

Yes, that's fine.

I do think you are over thinking this. I don't think your DD was included in the videos maliciously, even if you have had issues with this teacher before. For whatever reason, she made a mistake, didn't know that you had said no to video, and so your DD was included in a film that was shown at parents' evening (most parents would be delighted to see their child playing with their friend so happily at the start of the new school year).

Just confirm that you don't want her to be filmed, and it won't happen again.

MaisyPops · 31/08/2017 13:32

AnInchWasPinched
I think so. That sounds reasonable.
'Could I just speak to you about the photo and video form because DC was actually in footage on parents evening which surprised me. Could you explain what happened?'
Then hear them out. It could be an accidental oversight or it could be a serious failing.
Be reasonable. Avoid getting into whether the teacher would/wouldn't single kids out. Then take it from there.

ForgivenessIsDivine · 31/08/2017 13:34

Gilly: If the school has a policy on this matter, they have to work out the practicalities around it. If they have asked parents to consent and parents decline, they have no choice...

Original poster
AnInchWasPinched · 31/08/2017 13:45

didn't know that you had said no to video,

She absolutely does know. We spoke about it at parents evening last year (mixed year group class, so DD has same teacher again. Small school!) and had a phone call about it not long after we sent the forms back where I explained our stance.

OP posts:
Loveluck7 · 31/08/2017 13:54

You are massively overreacting and causing unnecessary problems for the teachers. If your DD appears in a few group videos it is not going to have an impact on her whatsoever. They are not identifying her by name. Why are you making this such a huge issue when it doesn't need to be? you seem to be under the impression that people are interested in footage of your DD, unless you are in hiding, that is highly unlikely.
As for the person who filmed it being DBS checked, that is not necessary, if they were accompanied by teacher at all times.

KickAssAngel · 31/08/2017 14:03

I think you could just send a quick email to the teacher, something like, "just a quick reminder - we haven't given permission for our DD to be filmed, so would like to make sure that the video from last night will be deleted/edited so that she is no longer in it. Please email to confirm when this has happened."

Then also an email to school office & Head, saying something similar, but making it clear that you absolutely do NOT give permission for that video to be used in any format/audience etc unless your DD is edited out.

If the teacher's DH was never left alone with the children he didn't need DBS, but did if he was the only adult in the room.

Schools really should be 100% on following rules about who is filmed. It comes under child protection and is really non-negotiable. You don't have to tell the school your reasons, you just say 'no' and that's the end of any discussion.

(I'm a teacher btw.)

Grotbagswisp · 31/08/2017 14:21

YANBU
Our son has asd and we signed saying we didn't want him photographed /filmed for exactly the reasons above (targeted) BUT the school allow parents to film and take photographs in performances /assemblies etc.

We were copied into a video on a whatsapp group which shows our son obviously finding the assembly very difficult and it was upsetting for us that lots of people had access to this video.

How can a school have these policies and strict rules on what happens to the film, storage etc and then allow parents to film anyway? !

Sorry to hijack the thread Blush

gillybeanz · 31/08/2017 14:22

I'm sorry I don't agree.
you can't expect children whose parents consent to be left out because they happen to be in a line next to someone who hasn't given permission.
The child without permission should be removed, not put on the end and those around them not filmed.

gillybeanz · 31/08/2017 14:24

She would happily make a point of singling a child out rather than e.g. making her stand at the edge of the group and just not filming the children at the edge of the group.

This is what you said and a couple of us have said it isn't fair on the children on the edge of the group.
I'd complain like hell and expect your dd to have been singled out.
It's hardly bad for the child to be taken elsewhere.

Original poster
AnInchWasPinched · 31/08/2017 14:28

I'm not asking for those around them not to be filmed Hmm Just for DD to not be filmed, why is that incomprehensible?
They were sat:
xxxxxxxxxxDDxxxxxx
They could have been sat:
DDxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
And the film taken so
DD[xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
we're in the film.
Not even any editing involved.

OP posts:
Original poster
AnInchWasPinched · 31/08/2017 14:29

By children I meant the children who are not allowed to be filmed or photographed not those who are. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

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