Safeguarding Policy

Company name: Love Kids Photography
Directors: Gemma Hirst & Lisa Moore

1. Policy Statement

Love Kids Photography is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and families. We recognise the responsibility that comes with photographing children and will always act to protect their rights, dignity, and privacy.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Gemma Hirst and Lisa Moore, the owners and photographers of Love Kids Photography.

  • All photography sessions carried out in schools, nurseries, and at our family pop-up events.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Lisa Moore: Trained to Level 2 in Safeguarding. She understands the signs of possible abuse or neglect and the procedures to follow if there are concerns.

  • Both Directors (Gemma Hirst & Lisa Moore): Share responsibility for safeguarding during photography sessions.

When working in schools or nurseries:

  • We always show our valid DBS certificates.

  • We always confirm the identity of the setting’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) before beginning work.

  • Any safeguarding concerns will be reported immediately to the setting’s DSL.

  • If a child is in immediate danger, emergency services (999) will be contacted.

4. Code of Conduct

When working with children and families, we will:

  • Always act with professionalism, care, and respect.

  • Avoid keeping unnecessary images.

  • Never share images on personal devices or social media without explicit parental consent.

  • Never be left alone with children outside the normal context of our photography role.

5. Consent and Image Use

  • We will never use photographs for marketing or promotional purposes without additional, explicit parental permission.

6. Data Protection & Image Storage

  • Images will be stored securely on password-protected systems.

  • Images will only be kept for as long as necessary, in line with data protection laws.

  • Only Gemma and Lisa have access to stored images.

  • USBs, memory cards, and hard drives will be encrypted or securely stored.

7. Safeguarding Concerns

  • During work in schools/nurseries, concerns will be reported directly to the setting’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.

  • If concerns arise outside of a school/nursery setting, they will be handled according to local safeguarding procedures, and advice will be sought from the relevant safeguarding authority.

  • If a child is in immediate danger, we will contact emergency services (999).

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if changes in legislation or practice require.

Reviewed and Approved by:
Gemma Hirst & Lisa Moore – Directors
Date: 16 September 2025