The purpose of this policy statement is to protect children and young people who take part in Stratford Youth Theatre CIC’s events and activities, specifically those where photographs and videos may be taken.

 

We believe that young people should never experience abuse of any kind.

 

We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to take and share their images safely.

 

We will seek to keep children and young people safe by never publishing personal and identifying information, we can do this by only using first names and disguising the logos on school uniforms.

 

We use photographs to aid the publicising of our activities and also to celebrate achievements of Stratford Youth Theatre and the young people who participate in shows, events and workshops.

 

Children, their parents and carers have the right to decide whether their images are taken and how they may be used.

 

We will therefore, always ask for written consent forms to be filled in before taking images of children and young people.

 

The use of mobile phones by young people or volunteers to take photographs during the drama workshops, rehearsals or performance in either drama studios, back stage or in dressing rooms is not permitted.

 

Only professional photographers hired by or known to Stratford Youth Theatre CIC will be given permission to photograph participants.

 

If children, parents and/or carers do not consent to photographs being taken, we will respect their wishes. We will agree in advance how they would like to be identified so the photographer knows not to take pictures of them, and ensure this is done in a way that does not single out the child or make them feel isolated.

 

We will never exclude a child from an activity because we do not have consent to take their photograph.

 

Electronic images will be kept in a secure folder. Hard copies will be stored in the locked filing cabinet in The Stratford Youth Theatre Office.

 

If a child or young person needs confidential help and advice after an image of them has been shared online, we will direct them to Childline 0800 1111 (free) and also available online.

 

Aaron Bixley (Senior lead for safeguarding and child protection)

Phone/email: 07804 848674 stratfordyouththeatre@yahoo.com

NSPCC helpline:  0808 800 5000

We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually.

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This policy was implemented on:  7/07/2022

This policy was last reviewed on:  7/07/2022

 

Signed: …………Aaron Bixley

Date: …………………7/07/2022