Do any of you NOT use photos in Learning Journals?

**Maza** · 14-01-2012, 08:40 PM

Basically, although they look fabulous and are the parents favourite bit, I resent printing out photos of mindees. I don't even print out photos of my own DD (much to the annoyance of her grandparents) because it is costly. Because we all do it it has become the norm and I fear we might be marked down if we don't. Don't mean to sound like a heartless minder - I'm always taking photos of mindees because I am so proud of their achievements throughout the day. I often email them to parents so that they too can be proud, but I'm just going through so much ink! Moan over.

**Velleity** · 14-01-2012, 08:42 PM

I use photos.
It looks so bland without them I think.
I don't use printer ink to print them out though.
I just go into Boots and print out the few that I need each week.
Can't be costing me more than a pound a week I believe.

BuggsieMoo · 14-01-2012, 08:45 PM

There is only one LJ I dont put photos in and that is because the parents refused to give permission for photos to be taken of their child so it is now a LLB (Look Listen and Note) LJ. Ofsted have seen this and together with the refusal to have photos taken are happy that there is none included within it.

For the others I either batch order photos (like the OP does in Boots) or I use my Pogo printer as other than buying paper at 70 sheets for £8 I do not buy ink for it.

I think it is just personal preference but as a parent as well I loved seeing my LO's LJ from nursery and the pics showing me their day when I was not there. Its certainly something I will treasure.

**Mollymop** · 14-01-2012, 08:49 PM

I print the children's photos out on standard paper from my printer l dont go out of my way to go to stores and get them done on proper professional paper etc costing the earth!
I do think you need them though, more than just for parents to see, it is important in my opinion to have them as evidence to link the children's formal observations to their next steps and development matters grids. It just wouldn't be the same with a photo

**loocyloo** · 14-01-2012, 08:59 PM

i either print them out draft onto normal printer paper, or i bulk buy photos on truprint and then get each photo quite cheaply when i order them.

i use my pogo too, but not so much at the moment, as i seem to be printing loads everyweek! ( i am just finding this current batch of children so amazing! and they are ALL always doing something new !!! ) where do you find your pogo paper at £8 for 70 sheets??? it cost me a fortune last time.

i like photos in the LJ, i usually write what else was going on with it, but i think it says what i am trying to say, so much more clearly than i can in words!

**Carol M** · 14-01-2012, 09:27 PM

I print my photos off and file them in my album. I have years of photographic evidence here and at my last inspection (Jan 09) the inspector spent quite alot of time looking through them. She said it was fantastic evidence. I have continued to do this and parents can request copies.It's a shame not all parents look at the pics !
I have just decided to produce a powerpoint of pics that will link to the LJ's I do. I do not want to print off more pics to put in the LJ's! I use enough ink!
Carol xx

**sarah707** · 14-01-2012, 09:38 PM

I sent off a batch at a time for online printing and never resent the expense as I feel it is a professional way of presenting evidence that will hopefully be treasured... and even if it isn't I know I have done my best.

It is also a legitimate business expense

**catminder** · 16-01-2012, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by Maza

Basically, although they look fabulous and are the parents favourite bit, I resent printing out photos of mindees. I don't even print out photos of my own DD (much to the annoyance of her grandparents) because it is costly. Because we all do it it has become the norm and I fear we might be marked down if we don't. Don't mean to sound like a heartless minder - I'm always taking photos of mindees because I am so proud of their achievements throughout the day. I often email them to parents so that they too can be proud, but I'm just going through so much ink! Moan over.

I buy my ink from ebay - I get 20 cartridges for £10. You can get ink for most printers on there.

**juelmer** · 18-01-2012, 01:57 PM

Hi,

I don't put photos in my LJ, I post them to a secure website every Friday so the parents can view them with their children over the weekend. Grandparents can also log in and view them too. This way I can put lots on and it doesn't cost me anything and at the end of the term I burn them to a DVD with the videos I've took and the children take them home to keep forever. The parents, Grandparents and children say this is their highlight.
The only time I print photos is when I'm doing an obs sheet and would like to include photos as evidence.