Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

At Peak Portraits, the safety, well-being, and protection of every child we photograph is our absolute priority. We operate a culture of continuous vigilance and fully align our operational practices with the UK Department for Education’s statutory guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

We understand that schools and multi-academy trusts place immense trust in external providers. This policy outlines the strict safeguarding standards, vetting procedures, and data security measures we enforce on every single school photography session.

1. Staff Vetting and Recruitment

Every photographer and team member representing Peak Portraits undergoes a rigorous safer recruitment screening process before entering any school premises:

  • Enhanced DBS Disclosures: All staff hold an active Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of the Children's Barred List.

  • Identity Verification: Photographic identity checks are completed before deployment, and our team will always present photo ID immediately upon arrival at school reception.

  • Professional References: We require full employment references verifying suitability to work alongside children and young people.

2. On-Site Conduct & Safe Practice

Our team adheres to a strict Code of Conduct designed to maintain safe professional boundaries:

  • Supervision: Peak Portraits staff will never be left alone with a child. All photography sessions are conducted in visible, open areas (such as school halls) with school staff present at all times.

  • Physical Contact: We operate a strict 'no physical contact' policy. If a child’s uniform or hair needs adjusting for a portrait, our photographers will verbally guide the pupil or request assistance from the attending school staff member.

  • Personal Devices: The use of personal mobile phones, smartwatches, or personal recording equipment by our staff is strictly prohibited while on school grounds.

  • Reporting Procedures: All staff receive training to recognise potential safeguarding indicators. Any disclosures or concerns raised during a session will be immediately and confidentially reported directly to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

3. Image Security & Data Protection

As data controllers, we process all pupil data in strict compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR:

  • Secure Capture: Images are captured onto encrypted, professional camera media.

  • Closed Distribution: We do not use public-facing galleries. Images are uploaded to a secure, password-protected online ordering portal. Access to individual pupil portraits is restricted solely to parents or guardians via unique, secure login codes generated specifically for that child.

  • Strict Image Retention: Images are retained on secure, firewalled servers for a limited period to allow for parental orders and school administration re-runs. We do not use pupil images for marketing, social media, or samples without explicit, written parental consent obtained via the school.

  • No AI Processing: We do not utilize generative AI technologies to modify, manipulate, or create synthetic iterations of pupil portraits, safeguarding against modern digital risks.

Safeguarding Contact

If you are a school leader, parent, or local authority partner and have any questions regarding our safeguarding protocols, please contact our designated operations team: