Pop-Up Portraits Ltd works with children and families as part of its activities.

The purpose of this policy statement is to protect children and young people who receive Pop-Up Portraits Ltd services, and to provide parents/guardians and staff with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection. This policy statement applies to anyone working on behalf of Pop-Up Portraits Ltd.

Legal framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England. A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from nspcc.org.uk

We believe that:

• children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind

• we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.

We recognise that:

• the welfare of the child is paramount

• all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse

• some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues

• working in partnership with children, young people, their parents/guardians, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

• valuing, listening to and respecting them

• appointing a child protection/safeguarding lead : Jenny Barnard hello@popupportraits.school

• ensuring all our staff are checked by the Disclosure and Baring Service (DBS). Copies of their enhanced DBS certificates are available upon request

• developing child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures which reflect best practice

• using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents/guardians, families and carers appropriately

• using our procedures to manage any allegations against staff appropriately

• ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our children, young people, staff and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance

• recording and storing information professionally and securely.

During our sessions we will ensure that:

• all our staff will be easily recognisable as Pop-Up Portraits staff members

• all staff mobile phones are turned off during the session

• no Pop-Up Portrait staff member will have sole access to children; a member of the settings staff must be present throughout the session

• no pictures will be taken of children who are upset, although every effort will be made to calm and reassure them

• if a child or young person appears to not want to have their photo taken; either by stating so verbally or through body language, the photograph must not be taken or if already taken, must be deleted

• pictures will only be taken when a child is appropriately dressed and are in good taste and in keeping with the event taking place

• all children are anonymised using our QR tagging and access code system. No personal details will be accredited to any image, nor will they be passed onto third parties

• no images of children to promote or advertise Pop-Up Portraits without the express written permission of the parent/guardian.

This policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the event to changes in legislation and/or government guidance.