CCTV in Nurseries 2025

Have you heard the growing push to make CCTV mandatory in nurseries across England? Triggered by tragic events like the death of baby Genevieve at Tiny Toes nursery, there’s now serious momentum behind this safety measure.

In this video, I’m going to take you through why CCTV is being considered as a must  have, the key privacy implications, and how to implement it the right way  if your nursery chooses to install it (or if legislation requires it).

[Introduction]

Hi, I’m Curtly Ania, founder of Open a Nursery UK. I help nursery owners navigate complex regulation, prepare for Ofsted, and run high  quality, child  centred environments.

We’re entering a crucial moment: The government is reviewing compulsory CCTV following high  profile incidents and Ofsted concerns. So this video will give you:

• The context behind recent discussions
• Data protection and Ofsted expectations
• Policy templates and best practice
• Pros and cons, balancing safety with privacy

Let’s dive right in.

1️⃣ WHY THE PUSH FOR CCTV NOW?

1. A) The Campaign for Gigi

In mid  2025, parents of nine  month  old Genevieve “Gigi” Meehan launched a nationwide campaign after she tragically died in a nursery while strapped face down on a beanbag. CCTV footage was critical to revealing the truth, showing neglect and abuse that staff had denied. It led to a manslaughter conviction. Without it, the family says, the truth would never have emerged. (The Guardian, GOV.UK, Facit Data Systems)

These parents are now calling for mandatory CCTV in all nurseries, routine unannounced Ofsted inspections, and improved safe sleep training. The government is reviewing these demands and working with stakeholders including Ofsted and child health bodies. (ITVX)

1. B) Serious Incident Statistics

BBC data revealed nearly 20,000 serious childcare incidents were reported between 2019–24  an increase of 40% from the previous five years. Genetic failures in staffing, ratios, or oversight are often hidden unless CCTV is available. (The Guardian)

1. C) Ofsted Inspectors’ Role

Ofsted is asking providers to explain how surveillance (if used) supports child welfare  and that it’s not used as a default or blanket measure. Surveillance must be justified, proportionate, and respectful of children’s rights. (GOV.UK)

All of this means CCTV is no longer just a security option  it’s becoming a potential safeguarding priority.

2️⃣ BALANCING SAFETY WITH PRIVACY

1. A) Legal Framework: GDPR & ICO Guidance

CCTV captures personal data under GDPR and the Data Protection Act. Nurseries are considered “data controllers”  so they must comply fully. This means:

• Conducting a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) before installing CCTV
• Registering the system with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
• Ensuring lawful, fair, transparent processing of data
• Installing visible signage and providing privacy notices to adults entering view (Almas UK  IRE, Morning Star Nursery)

1. B) Ofsted Expectations

Ofsted’s surveillance guidance is clear: CCTV should never be used for blanket observation of children. Policy must show:

• CCTV is used for safeguarding or safety, not behavioural surveillance
• Alternative, less  intrusive methods don’t suffice
• Adults rights are respected, including Human Rights Act considerations (GOV.UK)

1. C) Privacy Risks

Over  surveillance can:

• Make staff uncomfortable, harming relationships with children
• Expose footage containing other parents or sensitive information
• Lead to data breaches or unauthorized disclosures

Privacy  by  design means limiting cameras to public communal areas, not toilets or intimate care zones. (careinspectorate.com, evergreenfutures.co.uk, Facit Data Systems)

3️⃣ KEY ELEMENTS OF A CCTV POLICY

If you decide (or are required) to install CCTV, your policy should cover:

1. A) Purpose & Transparency

• Specify why CCTV is being used (e.g. safeguarding, security)
• Explain that footage may be used in Ofsted investigations or police inquiries

1. B) Locations & Visibility

• Cameras should be visible and only in essential areas (entrances, halls, corridors, outdoor play zones  but never in changing/toileting areas) (evergreenfutures.co.uk, Morning Star Nursery)
• Signage should identify the nursery, purpose, and contact to request footage

1. C) Storage & Retention

• Footage should generally be retained for between 7–28 days depending on space
• If required for an incident, footage can be retained longer but access must be logged and closely controlled (evergreenfutures.co.uk, Morning Star Nursery)

1. D) Access & Third Parties

• Only authorised staff (e.g. manager, deputy, DPO) may view footage
• Release to police or Ofsted only under formal conditions
• Parents may request footage via Subject Access Request (SAR) but only of their child, and footage containing others must be redacted before sharing (Classroom365, ITVX)

1. E) Security & Accountability

• All access must be logged
• Footage storage must be secure (password  protected, limited user accounts)
• Policy should detail how breaches or misuse are handled

1. F) Regular Review & Audit

• Policy should be reviewed at least annually
• Audits (internally or by DPO) to ensure compliance and prevent misuse

4️⃣ PROS & CONS OF MANDATORY CCTV

✅ Benefits:

• Evidence in safeguarding cases (see Genevieve)
• Preventive deterrent effect
• Calm reassurance to parents and staff that conduct is monitored
• Supports staff training after incidents (staff can review behaviour and procedures) (Almas UK  IRE, Facit Data Systems, Kids Planet Nurseries)

⚠️ Downsides:

• Risk of misuse or excessive monitoring
• Staff may feel micromanaged or rushed
• Possible GDPR violations if policies are absent or poorly handled
• Children may behave unnaturally or view nurseries as sterile or institutional
• Installation costs and maintenance overhead

Striking the balance means using CCTV as a tool, not a crutch, and always governed by policy.

5️⃣ IMPLEMENTATION STEPS & BEST PRACTICE

Step  by  step:

1. Conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) to evaluate whether CCTV is necessary and proportionate. (Almas UK  IRE, GOV.UK)
2. Create a written CCTV policy, shared with staff and families.
3. Register the system with ICO and pay any required fee.
4. Install clear signage at entrances and camera sites.
5. Train authorised staff who will access footage  and log access consistently.
6. Set a retention period in your policy, e.g. 14 days, unless preserved for incidents.
7. Have a process to handle requests for footage, disclosures to police, or SAR requests.
8. Audit usage annually  review whether cameras are placed correctly, policy is followed, and access logs are accurate.
9. Seek parent/carer consent at admission  inform them that CCTV is used, why, and how they can request access.
10. Regularly update policy to include new staff, review system usage, and reflect legal updates.

6️⃣ OFSTED EXPECTATIONS & INSPECTION CONTEXT

While CCTV isn’t currently mandatory, Ofsted will:

• Ask how surveillance supports child safeguarding
• Check whether CCTV represents a default monitoring culture or justified use
• Expect linkage between CCTV policy and your Safeguarding / Whistleblowing policies
• Treat CCTV misuse or overly intrusive use as a potential compliance concern (Almas UK  IRE, evergreenfutures.co.uk, The Guardian, GOV.UK)

Given recent calls for more unannounced inspections, having tech systems like CCTV can provide inspection evidence when asked.

7️⃣ COMMUNICATING TO PARENTS & STAFF

For Parents:

• Explain the purpose of CCTV in welcome packs
• Let them know where cameras are placed, how long footage is kept
• Offer guidance on how to request footage, or raise concerns
• Highlight GDPR rights, including ability to appeal or complain

For Staff:

• Train them during induction  tying CCTV usage to privacy and professional conduct
• Explain their rights  footage may record them, but only authorised staff view it
• Clarify that CCTV is not used for minor performance evaluation  only safety cases

8️⃣ ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS & CHILD RIGHTS

• Surveillance must be proportionate to risk. It cannot replace good staffing, training, or health and safety routines.
• Be cautious of creating a culture of distrust  build transparency through clearest communication.
• Ensure children are not treated like suspects  guard their dignity and emotional space.
• Continually review whether a less  intrusive method (staff awareness, open  door policies) could serve equally well.

CCTV in nurseries is a complex, sensitive topic. And while it’s not mandatory  yet  the tide is turning fast toward a safety  first mindset driven by tragic case law and strong parent advocacy. If your nursery is considering installation  or updating your policies  this video should serve as your jump  off point.

• Visit openanursery.co.uk if you’d like help writing policies or planning staff training

👍

• Like this video if it helped
• Comment with questions or what you’d like supported with next
• Subscribe for more compliance  first support for nursery leaders, from funding to regulations, practical guides, and caring operations

You’re not just running a nursery  you’re protecting lives. And that deserves a culture of accountability, clarity, and compassion. Thanks for watching  and take care out there.