Noticeboard
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Safeguarding and photography.
Fri 21 Jun 2024KEY MESSAGE: Parents and carers are not permitted to share photographs of other children as this presents a safeguarding risk.
I appreciate that the vast majority of parents and carers of children attending Ashgate Primary School adhere to the clear expectations regarding the sharing of imagery taken at the school by employees, families or third parties.
It has been a long-standing understanding that parents are not to share images of other children and that doing so can present a safeguarding risk. We do have some families that are vulnerable and require protection steps.
Sadly, it has been brought to my attention that not all families are respecting or honouring this well intended agreement. Following direction, the image has now been removed from public view. Whilst there was no malicious intent the matter has been addressed promptly.
I remind all parents of the agreement outlined below regarding photography at school. Should parents and carers not adhere to the agreement, I will have no other option to remove the permissive right for photography in school. This would be a shame after 10 years of cooperation.
Photographs in school
Ashgate Primary School l follows the guidance on the 'Recording of Images' issued by the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).
We expect that parents and visitors to school site do not routinely take photographs without permission as doing so can cause offence and be a safeguarding risk. Failing to respect the expectation can result in the removal of permissions to access school. However, there are occasions where such permissions may be granted.
Common sense guidance by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) aims to dispel the myth that data protection prevents parents from taking photographs of their child and friends at school events and where permission has been granted (for example school performances, services or similar celebrations)
Photographs taken purely for personal use are exempt from the Data Protection Act.
PARENTS MAY TAKE IMAGES
- where explicit permission to do so has been granted (and in turn)
- of their children and friends during school events for 'family albums'
- and can film events at school for personal use; examples of which include nativity
performances and sports days.
However we do ask parents to recognize that children are, and will always be, considered a 'vulnerable group', requiring special considerations; we therefore ask that those taking images:
• to ensure the 'focus' is on their child/children
• to ensure images that include other children are not distributed to a third party* without consulting the parent/carer of those children (this is not the responsibility of the school).
*Third parties in this circumstance includes social network web-pages, such as 'Facebook' and 'Twitter'. Please keep the safety of young children in mind at all times
Should you have any questions regarding personal photography in school, please feel free to talk to the school and or consult the guidance issued by the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) www.ico.gov.uk.
NB: The school is required by Data Protection Act to consult parents prior to official photography that may be distributed to a third party and or used for official school use, such as the internet website and brochure/prospectus use. Please ensure that the details held at school are up to date.
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Safeguarding children
Thu 20 Jun 2024As you are aware, Ashgate Primary School makes safeguarding children its key priority. This is why in our most recent Ofsted inspection our processes and actions were described as effective and it was commented on that, "leaders have stringent safeguarding arrangements in place".
Parents at the school gates and fences.
Children are reminded to not speak to or interact with adults outside of school grounds when on break times. This is to ensure children are safe.
Some families are unfortunately taking it upon themselves to approach the fence to observe children at play or call children over or interact with them.
Adults are respectfully asked not to approach the school gates and fences whilst children are on school site. Doing so undermines steps put in place to protect children, likewise the school will always consider adults off site watching children in school a safeguarding concern, regardless of who it is.
Please respect the stringent actions to keep children safe on site.
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DfE absence fines are changing
Wed 19 Jun 2024The way the Department for Education (DfE) issues fixed penalty notices (fines) for unauthorised absence is changing.
The DFE have provided updated information to headteachers and local authorities that will be implemented after the summer break. This is a result of national record cases of school absence, including persistent absences.
Please read the information carefully.
Summary: Key changes:
- An increased charge for unauthorised absences of 10 sessions (5 school days) within a 10 week rolling period. Fine increased to £160, per child, per parent. (for example: 2 children having 10 days or more unauthorised absence in a rolling 10 week period would result in a £640 fine total).
- A 'within 3 years' of first offence escalation with no discount on fines
- A 'within 3 years' of second offence resulting in Magistrate Court Action and fines up to £2500
Important. The DfE clarifies that a 'desire or need' for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation is NOT an exceptional circumstance. Ignoring this directive will result in absence being unauthorised.
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION NOTICE
Penalty Notice Fines for School Attendance are changing from 19th August 2024
With the introduction of the new National Framework for Penalty Notices issued by DfE, the following changes will come into force for School Penalty Notice Fines issued after 19th August 2024.
National Threshold
There will be a single consistent national threshold for when a penalty notice must be considered by all schools in England of 10 sessions (usually equivalent to 5 school days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10 school week period. These sessions do not have to be consecutive and can be made up of a combination of any type of unauthorised absence.
Please note: The DfE does not consider a need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation to be an exceptional circumstance.
First Offence
The first time a Penalty Notice is issued for unauthorised absence the amount will be:
- £160 per parent, per child paid with 28 days.
- Reduced to £80 per child, per child if paid within 21 days.
Per Parent, Per Child
- Penalty notices are issued per parent for each child that was absent.
- For example: 2 siblings absent from school for term time leave would result in each parent receiving 2 separate fines
Second Offence (within 3 years)
The Second time a penalty notice is issued for unauthorised absence the amount will be:
- £160 per parent per child paid within 28 days.
- No discount will be offered.
Third Offence and Any Further Offences (within 3 years)
The third time an offence is committed a Penalty Notice will not be issued and the case could be presented straight to a magistrates court. PRsecution can result in Criminal records and fines of up to £2500
Parent “who is a parent?”
Section 576 of the Education Act 1996 defines "parent" as:
- All natural (biological) parents whether thay are married or not.
- Any person who, although not a natural parent has responsibility for a child or young person.
- Any person who, although not a natural parent has care for a child or young person.
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School Term Dates 2025-2027 Consultation Derby City Council are consulting on the Term Dates for 2025-2027. If any of our parent/carers would like to respond to the public consultation before it closes at midnight on 22/06/24 please visit Let’s Talk Derby
Wed 12 Jun 2024
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Police 'words of advice' to drivers around school.
Fri 07 Jun 2024Ashgate School Area Parking
As a courtesy, I let parents know that police patrols around the school area have been and will continue to be undertaken. A report from the Derbyshire Alerts system has confirmed that drivers have been receiving ‘words of advice’ relating to vehicle-related offences at the start and end of the school day.
Parents are already aware of my concerns linked to parking in inconsiderately or in parking bays. Whilst I have no personal power or desire to enforce traffic laws, it would seem that drivers around the school are now under increased scrutiny by those who can.
