Sample Letter 1.
Where a school proposes to
place no restrictions on photography at a school event.
Dear
Parent,
Later
this term we will be holding our school play. All the children have been
working hard to ensure that it is well up to our usual standard when the
performances are held on XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Many
parents like to take photographs and take video recordings of their children
during the performances. Having discussed this with our Chair of Governors, we
see no reason to place any restriction upon photography or video recording
during the performance, but please be aware that it can distract the children
and disturb other members of the audience.
If
anyone whose child is taking part in the play is concerned about this decision,
please contact me at school, either in person, or on our usual number.
Tickets
will be available nearer the performances, but in the meantime you might like
to put these dates in your diary.
Yours,
etc
Head
Teacher
Where restrictions are
proposed at a school performance.
Dear
Parent,
Later
this term we will be holding our school play. All the children have been
working hard to ensure that it is well up to our usual standard when the
performances are held on XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
This
year we are asking parents not to photograph or video record children during
the performance itself. We want children to do their very best and we have
found that they are all too easily distracted by cameras, which can also
disturb other members of the audience.
POSSIBLY:
However, children will
remain on stage for a few minutes at the end of the show so that photographs
can be taken. Parents who do not wish their children to be photographed will be
able to withdraw them beforehand.
OR:
However, we are arranging
for photographs to be taken during the dress rehearsal. These will be on
display in school soon afterwards and you will be able to order copies from the
photographer. Anyone who does not wish their child to be included in these
photographs should contact XXXXXXXXX
I
hope that you understand the reasons for this decision, and that you will
support the play with your usual enthusiasm. Tickets will be available nearer
the time.
Yours,
etc
Sample Letter 3
Where restrictions are
proposed at a sports event.
Dear
Parent,
Later
this term we will be holding our school sports day. This is a day that we all
look forward to, and I know that many of you will want to bring your cameras.
This year, some of our parents have particular reasons for asking that their
children should not be photographed, filmed or video recorded at school, and
this includes the sports day. The
school respects the views and wishes of these parents and asks you not to use
cameras during the races.
We
know that this will be disappointing to many other parents, and we do not want
the efforts of our young athletes to go unrecorded. We will therefore be arranging for the race winners to get
together after the prize-giving when you will be able to take pictures or make
video recordings.
I
hope that you understand the reasons for this decision, and that you will
support the sports day with your usual enthusiasm.
Yours,
etc
Head
Teacher
Portrait photography by a
professional photographer in school.
Dear
Parent,
On
XdateX a professional photographer, XXXXX, will be coming into school to take
pictures of the children. Mr/Ms XXXX regularly photographs at this and other
schools and we are happy to provide facilities in the usual way.
If
you do not wish your child to be photographed, please contact the school before
the photography takes place.
Otherwise,
the photographer will send proofs home with children as soon as they are
available and you will be able to decide whether or not to place an order.
Please
note that while the school is happy to facilitate this photography, it is
essentially an arrangement between the photographer and you as a parent. The
school does not hold the negatives or the copyright and is not responsible for
your orders, or the future use of the pictures.
Yours,
etc