North Town Nursery. Policy on Camera, Mobile Phone and Recording Device Use. Signed:.Head teacher. Signed: Chair of Governors. Date: September 2016

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1 Policy on Camera, Mobile Phone and Recording Device Use Signed:.Head teacher Signed: Chair of Governors Date: Reviewed in:

2 Table Of Contents 1. Policy Name Scope and Application Procedures Related Policies & Procedures Further Reading... 5 Page 2 of 7

3 1. Policy Name Policy on Camera, Mobile Phone and Recording Device Use 2. Scope and Application This policy refers to all information storage devices including cameras, mobile telephones, gaming devices and any recording devices including smartphones and smartwatches as well as other forms of digital technology and resources for storing and printing images. 3. Procedures At we recognise that photographs and video recordings play an important part in the life of the nursery. Photographs and recordings may be taken for a range of purposes including to celebrate achievements; for display; for promotional materials including our nursery website, brochure and the local press; and for sharing the children s activities with parents/carers via Twitter. Observation and assessment play an integral role in all that we do at North Town Nursery and are vital in the learning and development process. Photographs and recordings play an important part in supporting observations and assessments and help practitioners and parents/carers to recognise children s progress, understand their needs, and to plan activities to meet the individual needs of each child. 3.1 Permissions At, we ensure that any photographs or recordings taken of children in our nursery are only taken with prior written permission from each child s parent/carer. We obtain this when each child is registered and we update it on a regular basis to ensure that this permission still stands. Verbal consent is not accepted. If it is not possible to obtain prior written parental consent, images must not be taken involving the individual child concerned. We ensure that parents/carers understand that where their child is also seen on another child s photograph, but not as the primary person, that the photograph may be used in another child s learning journey. If a parent/carer would prefer not to give their permission for one or more of these uses, alternative ways of recording their child s play and learning will be sought. If two parents disagree over consent for their child to appear in photographs or in recordings, we will treat it as if consent has not been given. At, we also have digital cameras and recording devices which are used by the children as part of their learning. Such use is appropriately supervised by staff to ensure that images are taken in a safe and enabling environment. Page 3 of 7

4 3.2 Use of personal devices Staff are not permitted to take any photographs or recordings of a child on their own information storage devices e.g. cameras, mobile phone, smartwatches or other devices and may only use those provided by the setting. The Nursery Manager, Early Years Leader and wider leadership team will monitor photographs and recordings to ensure that nursery policy and procedure is followed. All members of staff must ensure that all images are available for scrutiny. Parents/carers are not permitted to use any recording device, camera, mobile phone or smartwatch on the nursery premises without the prior consent of the nursery manager. Parents/carers and visitors to the nursery are reminded via the use of signs that the use of mobile phones is prohibited in the nursery, and this is closely monitored by all staff. Should a parent/carer or visitor use their mobile phone in the nursery, staff will address this immediately and they will be asked to leave the premises, any photographs will be deleted. 3.3 Special events When hosting an event such as a production where parents/carers are permitted to take photographs or footage, parents/carers must also be made aware that any images taken must be for private use only and must not be sold or distributed. We ask that photos of events are not posted on any social media websites without permission from parents of all the children included in the picture. 3.4 Use of mobile phones At we promote the safety and welfare of all children in our care. We believe our staff should be completely attentive during their hours of working to ensure all children in the nursery receive good quality care and education. To ensure the safety and well-being of children we do not allow staff to use personal mobile phones or smartwatches during working hours. Staff must ensure their mobile phones/smartwatches are either turned off or on silent and not accessed during working hours. Mobile phones/smartwatches should be stored in staff only areas and may only be used on a designated break and then this must be away from the children. If any of the above points are not followed then the member of staff involved will face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal. 3.5 External visits We recognise that when taking children off-site on external visits, having access to a mobile phone provides a means to ensure the safety and welfare of children in our care. During external visits, staff will use mobile phones belonging to the nursery wherever possible. Page 4 of 7

5 3.6 Social media Parents, families and the children themselves often enjoy seeing their loved ones in print or on a website. We want to ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy these activities safely. Where images are used outside the immediate nursery setting, such as on Twitter, staff avoid using personal details or the full names (first name and surname) of any child or adult in a photograph, although first names may be used in some circumstances. We promote the safety and welfare of all staff and children. We require our staff to be responsible and professional in their use of social networking sites in relation to any connection to the nursery, nursery staff, parents/carers or children. Staff must not post anything on to social networking sites such as Facebook that could be construed to have any impact on the nursery s reputation or relate to the nursery or any children attending the nursery in any way. Staff must not post anything on to social networking sites that could offend any other member of staff or parent/carer using the nursery. 4. Related Policies & Procedures Child Protection Policy Inclusion and Equality Policy Healthy Workplace Policy Caring for Toddlers policy Supervision of Children Policy Parents and Carers are Partner Policy Safer Recruitment Policy Disciplinary Policy Whistleblowing Policy Health and Safety Policy Student and Volunteer Policy 5. Further Reading Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage September 2014 Somerset Code of Practice EYE January 2015 Childcare Act 2006 Data Protection Act 1998 Disability Discrimination Act 5.1 UNCRC References Article 3: The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all things that affect children. Article 12: Every child has the right to say what they think in all matters affecting them, and to have their views taken seriously. Article 16: Every child has the right to privacy. The law should protect the child s private, family and home life. Page 5 of 7

6 Article 19: Governments must do all they can to ensure that children are protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and bad treatment by their parents or anyone else who looks after them. Article 29: Education must develop every child s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment. Article 31: Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities. Article 34: Governments must protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. Article 36: Governments must protect children from all other forms of bad treatment. Page 6 of 7

7 Authorities / Key dates: Policy custodian Heidi Kohlman Reviewed by Policy Committee on the Ratified on the 30/09/2016 To be reviewed on the Modifications / Amendments history: Date Modifications / Amendment Page 7 of 7