A.1 – CCTV Policy

1. Policy Statement

At Smiley Stars Nursery, the safety and security of our children, staff, parents, and visitors is a top priority. Our CCTV system has been installed to help ensure a safe environment, protect property, and support high standards of care. We are committed to using CCTV responsibly, respecting the privacy of everyone on site, and complying with relevant data protection legislation and guidance.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

Employees

Students & Volunteers

Parents & Children

Visitors, Contractors & External agencies (including the Care Inspectorate)

It covers the use of CCTV on all nursery premises, including:

  • Entrance and exit points
  • Main playrooms
  • Hallways and corridors
  • Outdoor areas such as front and back gardens

3. Definitions

  • CCTV: Closed Circuit Television, a video surveillance system monitoring the nursery premises.
  • Data Protection Act 1998 / GDPR: Legislation governing the use, storage, and sharing of personal data, including recorded images.

4. Purpose of this Policy

  • To outline the nursery’s responsible use of CCTV.
  • To protect the safety and security of children, staff, parents, and visitors.
  • To monitor staff-child interactions and ensure high standards of care.
  • To assist in investigating incidents, theft, damage, or potential disciplinary matters.
  • To comply with the Information Commissioner’s CCTV Code of Practice and data protection legislation.

5. Procedure

CCTV System Details

  • The system comprises more than 16 fixed cameras, monitors, digital hard drive recorders, and two public information signs.
  • Cameras are placed in strategic locations, including main rooms, entrance, playrooms, and outdoor areas.
  • No camera is hidden from view, and cameras will not focus on private accommodation areas.
  • Signs are prominently displayed at entrance and exit points to inform everyone that CCTV is in use.

Recording

  • Digital recordings are made continuously 24 hours a day.
  • Recordings are stored on secure digital video recorders.
  • Images are retained for approximately 4–6 weeks before being automatically overwritten.

Access and Viewing

  • Access to CCTV footage is restricted to nursery management and staff members who require it for purposes aligned with this policy.
  • Out-of-hours, owners and/or the operations manager or a member of the management team may access CCTV images remotely via secure access to maintain the security of the premises.
  • Parents will not have access to view live or recorded CCTV footage.
  • CCTV images will never be used for external publication or placed online.

Use of Images

  • CCTV will only be used for the purposes outlined in this policy, including:
  • Ensuring the safety of staff, children, parents, and visitors
  • Monitoring staff interactions with children
  • Identifying incidents warranting disciplinary action
  • Reducing the risk of child abduction, theft, or damage
  • Supporting the prevention and detection of crime
  • The system will not be used to provide images for the internet or for any unrelated purposes.

Data Protection Compliance

  • The use of CCTV and recorded images is covered under data protection legislation and linked to the nursery’s Data Protection Policy, which must be followed at all times.
  • Images will be processed in line with the Information Commissioner’s CCTV Code of Practice to protect the rights and privacy of individuals captured on camera.

6. Reporting and Responding

  1. Identify — If there is an incident, management will review relevant CCTV footage.
  2. Investigate — Management will use footage to investigate concerns, accidents, or breaches of policy.
  3. Take Action — Findings will be used to inform responses, including disciplinary or safeguarding procedures if necessary.
  4. Follow Up — Outcomes will be documented and, where appropriate, shared with relevant parties.
  5. Escalate  — If evidence of criminal activity is found, the nursery will report to the police or relevant authorities.

7. Responsibilities

Managers/Owners

  • Oversee the operation and compliance of the CCTV system.
  • Control access to recorded images and ensure footage is only used for authorised purposes.
  • Ensure signage is maintained and visible.

Staff

  • Follow this policy and the nursery’s Data Protection Policy.
  • Report any concerns regarding the CCTV system or its use.

Parents and Visitors

  • Are informed of CCTV use through signage, policies, and the Parent Handbook.
  • Are expected to respect the nursery’s policy on CCTV use and privacy.

8. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to incidents, feedback, or changes in legislation or best practice.

  • Staff will be informed of this policy during induction and through ongoing training.
  • Parents will be made aware of this policy at enrolment and through nursery communication channels.