The short answer
Avoid featuring Year 6 pupils prominently, especially in summer term filming, as they soon leave. Check consent before each repost. If a pupil can no longer appear, ask for a new version without them.
Why films go out of date
A school film shows pupils at one moment. Within a year or two, some of them will have moved on.
Consent changes over time as well. A family that agreed at the start may later ask for their child to be left out.
That matters most on admissions pages. Families want to see the school as it is now.
Staff move on too, and a new head may want a different message. Buildings, classrooms and uniforms can also change.
So it pays to plan for this before filming, then check the film regularly afterwards.
A film that looks out of date can also raise questions with families. They may wonder what else has changed since it was made.
Planning ahead
- Year 6 pupils. Avoid featuring them prominently, especially when filming in the summer term.
- Younger pupils. Feature them in key moments, as they stay longer.
- Spread the focus. Show many pupils briefly, rather than a few pupils at length.
- Consent lists. Share them before filming, so no pupil appears who should not.
- Thumbnails. Choose stills of younger pupils, as thumbnails are seen most.
- Timing. Film in the autumn or spring term if you can, so more pupils stay for longer.
Keeping simple records
Keep a short note of when the film was made and which year groups appear. Later checks then take minutes, not hours.
Store the consent list used on the filming day with that note. You can then check against it before each repost.
Keep both with your other safeguarding and data records. That way, the right staff can find them when needed.
If your safeguarding lead changes, hand these records over too. A new lead can then pick up where the last one left off.
It also helps to note who approved the film and when. That record shows the film was checked before it was shared.
Before each repost
Check your consent records each time you share the film again. Families can change their minds, and new restrictions can arise.
A good habit is to check at the start of each term, before any planned posts. Mark it in the diary beside your open events.
If a child needs removing, message me and I will send a new version. Footage is stored on encrypted drives, so a re-edit is usually straightforward.
Meanwhile, take the old version down from your website and social media. Then replace it once the new version arrives.
Replace every copy at the same time, including any foyer screen. Otherwise an old version can stay in use without anyone noticing.
If a pupil needs removing
- Stop sharing. Pause posts and take the film down from public pages straight away.
- Tell me. Message me with the pupil's details and where they appear, if you know.
- Keep it confidential. I never need to know why a pupil must come out.
- Check the new version. Watch it through before it goes back up, as with any new film.
- Replace every copy. Update your homepage, YouTube, Facebook and any foyer screen at the same time.
Sharing the film safely online
Public posts reach the most families, so they need the most care. Check that consent covers public use, not just private links.
Avoid adding pupils' names to captions, comments or video descriptions. The film works just as well without them.
It also helps to keep a list of every place the film appears. Then a re-edit can replace each copy quickly.
My guide on parental consent for school filming covers consent in more detail.
When to refresh
Most films stay current for two to three years. After that, staff, uniforms and buildings have often changed.
A refresh also suits new leadership, a new building or a recent inspection. My guide on updating your film covers this in more detail.
When you do refresh, the same planning applies. Brief the next film with younger pupils and current consent lists in mind.
It is worth looking at the film each summer with fresh eyes. If it no longer feels like your school, families will notice too.
Questions schools ask
Should Year 6 pupils appear in our school film?
They can appear, but avoid making them the focus. They leave soon after filming.
What if a parent withdraws consent after the film is made?
Stop sharing it, and ask for a new version without that pupil. Re-editing is usually straightforward.
How long does a school film stay current?
Usually two to three years. After that, a refresh keeps it accurate.
Do we need to check consent every time we share the film?
Yes. Consent can change, so check before each repost. A quick look at your records is usually enough.
Can you delete our footage?
Yes. Just ask, and I will delete it and confirm once it is done. My <a href="/safeguarding/">safeguarding page</a> explains how footage is stored.
Need a film re-edited, or a fresh one for a new year? Talk to me about what suits your school.
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