What permissions are required to film in schools?
Short Answer:
You need written approval from the headteacher or academy trust, parental (or guardian) consent for any identifiable child, and a safeguarding-compliant crew — typically DBS-checked. Depending on the school, you may also need to follow its safeguarding policy, provide risk assessments and insurance, and agree supervision arrangements before filming.
Overview
Permissions for school filming exist to safeguard children. They combine institutional approval, individual consent for pupils, and assurance that the crew and plan meet safeguarding standards.
Detailed Explanation
Permissions and paperwork
Institutional approval: written sign-off from the headteacher or trust.
Parental consent: signed forms for every child who will be identifiable.
DBS-checked crew: or, at minimum, constant staff supervision of the crew.
Safeguarding policy: compliance with the school''s own policy and procedures.
Risk assessment and insurance: provided ahead of the shoot.
Supervision plan: agreed staff presence throughout filming.
Requirements vary between schools and trusts, so confirming the exact process early — and building consent collection into the timeline — prevents last-minute problems on the day.
Example
Before filming a school open-day video, a production would secure headteacher approval, distribute and collect parental consent forms, confirm the crew is DBS-checked, and share a risk assessment and insurance details with the school.