The offer made by a photography firm to erase children with “complex” needs, including Erin Pinnell, a nine-year-old student, from class photos caused distress among parents at Aboyne Primary School in Aberdeenshire. The choice to exclude these children from the photos was met with strong reactions from parents like Natalie Pinnell, who expressed feeling devastated and heartbroken. The company, Tempest Photography, issued an apology for the incident, emphasizing that it was not standard procedure and committing to prevent such occurrences in the future. Despite the apology, parents like Natalie Pinnell expressed their disappointment and vowed not to use the company’s services again.
Natalie Pinnell shared her strong emotions about the incident, stating that having her daughter erased from the class photos felt like having her “erased from history.” She expressed her fury and heartbreak over the situation and highlighted the impact it could have on her daughter’s self-esteem if she were aware of the incident. Other parents showed support by choosing not to purchase the photos, standing in solidarity against the exclusion of children with additional needs. Pinnell’s call to other schools to stop working with Tempest Photography reflects her desire to prevent such painful incidents from happening to other families in the future.
Lisa Boyd, another parent at Aboyne Primary School, also shared her experience of her daughter Lily, who uses a wheelchair, being removed from an alternative photo, leaving her twin sister devastated. The Aberdeenshire Council expressed its regret over the distress caused by the incident, stating that the decision to exclude children with complex needs was not made by the school. Emphasizing their commitment to inclusivity, the council addressed the issue with the photography company, labeling the incident as unacceptable. They acknowledged that every child, regardless of their needs, should be included, engaged, and involved in school experiences.
The photography company, Tempest Photography, as a family-run business photographing at schools across the UK, faced backlash over the incident. While they issued apologies and reassurances that such exclusion was not their standard procedure, the impact on families like Natalie Pinnell’s and Lisa Boyd’s highlighted the need for greater sensitivity and inclusivity in school photography. The incident was described as painful and inhumane, with parents calling for changes in how companies handle these situations in the future. The strong reactions from parents and the community demonstrate the importance of valuing and respecting every child’s presence and contribution in school activities, including class photos.
Overall, the controversy surrounding the exclusion of children with complex needs from school photos at Aboyne Primary School showcased the impact of such decisions on families and the importance of inclusivity in educational settings. The incident prompted discussions about sensitivity, respect, and the rights of all students to be represented in school activities. The reactions from parents and the school community highlighted the need for companies and institutions to prioritize inclusivity and diversity in their practices, ensuring that every child feels valued, respected, and included. The response from the Aberdeenshire Council and the commitments made by the photography company underscore the ongoing efforts to prevent similar incidents and promote a more inclusive environment for all students.
