High-profile nursery abuse cases, although rare, understandably worry parents. In response, many nurseries have turned to CCTV and webcams to help boost parents’ confidence and give greater transparency.
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This article explores the benefits of CCTV and webcams in nurseries and whether they should be a reason for choosing a nursery.
Benefits of nurseries having CCTV and webcams
To strengthening safeguarding practices
CCTV is often promoted as an added layer of protection. Recorded footage can:
- Provide evidence in the event of an incident or allegation
- Support internal investigations
- Offer an objective account of what happened in a particular situation
For managers, cameras can reinforce professional standards and help ensure policies are being followed.
To increase transparency and trust
Some nurseries offer parents secure access to live-streamed webcams in playrooms. They argue that:
- Parents feel reassured by being able to see their child during the day
- Transparency builds stronger relationships between families and the nursery
- It reduces anxiety for parents whose children struggle with separation
Mandy Guttadauro, Operations Director at Bright Little Stars Nurseries, says: “It is completely natural for parents to want reassurance when choosing care for their child.”
She believes “that well-managed nurseries with strong leadership, clear policies and robust safeguarding procedures are some of the safest, most supportive and inspiring places for young children to grow”.
However Bright Little Stars Nurseries also champions transparency which is why “since opening our first nursery in Mill Hill in 2013, we have embraced technology that reflects our values. For us, CCTV and our unique ParentCam system are not about surveillance, but about reassurance, safeguarding and connection between families and our nurseries,” says Ms Guttadauro.
Parentcam helps parents feel close to their child
She is a strong advocate of ParentCam.
Leaving your child at nursery for the first time can be emotional. Parents often wonder: Are they happy? Are they settling well? Are they being cared for as I would care for them?
She says: “Our ParentCam system helps to answer those questions. It allows parents to log in securely for a short, real-time view of their child’s day. Just a few minutes of seeing your child laughing with friends, reading with a key person or building with blocks can bring enormous reassurance.
“Families tell us that ParentCam helps them feel close to their child, especially during the first few weeks, often supporting mothers returning to work. It also strengthens communication at home. When parents can see what their child has been doing, it sparks lovely conversations: “I saw you painting today!” or “You looked so proud of your tower!” These moments build confidence and connection.”
Support staff and improves their care for children
When used ethically and in compliance with data protection laws:
- Footage can help managers identify staff support needs
- Real-world examples can be used for training on behaviour management, supervision, or room layout
CCTV can help improve overall practice when used sensitively and constructively.
“CCTV at Bright Little Star Nurseries plays an equally important role for staff and safeguarding. Cameras are placed in key learning areas, communal spaces and entrances, but never in private areas such as toilets or changing rooms. There is no audio recording, and footage is stored securely for a limited time,” says Ms Guttadauro.
“Access is strictly limited to senior leaders and used only when necessary for safeguarding, reflective practice or incident reviews.”
On one occasion, CCTV footage at Bright Little Stars Nurseries helped staff identify the early signs of a child’s medical issue, enabling swift and confident action.
She adds: “For practitioners, CCTV provides reassurance that they are protected from unfounded allegations and that their professionalism is visible and respected. For managers, it offers an objective tool for reflection, helping to celebrate excellent practice and positive interactions while continually improving quality.
“This careful, transparent use of technology builds confidence and supports a culture of safety and trust.”
Potential risks of using CCTV and webcams
False sense of security
While cameras record what happens in their field of view, they do not:
- Prevent incidents from occurring
- Replace proper supervision
- Eliminate human error or poor practice
Over-relying on CCTV can lead to complacency in nursery staff.
Privacy and ethical issues
Children, parents, and staff all have privacy rights. Concerns include:
- Whether constant monitoring creates a surveillance culture
- If staff feel mistrusted or stressed
- How securely footage is stored and who has access to it
- Whether live streaming increases the risk of data misuse
Nurseries must comply with GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and safeguarding guidelines when handling video data.
Mandy Guttadauro, Operations Director, Bright Little Stars Nurseries reiterates: “We know that technology must be used sensitively. That is why both CCTV and ParentCam operate under clear, transparent policies designed to protect everyone involved.
- ParentCam access is encrypted, time limited and available only to two nominated carers per child. Parents agree to responsible use.
- CCTV access is equally controlled and used solely for safeguarding, reflective practice or training.
“These boundaries ensure that the systems connect rather than intrude, keeping privacy and dignity at the centre of every decision. Our technology connects families; it never intrudes on them.
“There is sometimes debate about the use of cameras in early years settings. However, when used responsibly, ethically and transparently, they become tools for confidence and connection, not control.
“At Bright Little Stars, we have shown that technology can enhance relationships rather than replace them. For parents, it provides reassurance. For staff, it offers protection and professional reflection. And for children, it creates a nurturing environment built on openness and respect.”
Impact on children’s development
Critics of CCTV and parentcams argue that:
- Constant surveillance may limit natural interactions
- Staff might behave differently on camera, reducing spontaneity
- Children deserve a sense of dignity and private space even in early years settings
Balancing safety with respect for the child’s rights is essential.
Do CCTV and webcams actually make nurseries safer?
They can but only when they are used as part of a wider safeguarding culture.
How does CCTV improve safety?
- It acts as a deterrent for inappropriate behaviour
- Footage can help resolve disputes or clarify events
- It encourages adherence to safeguarding procedures
However, safety improvements depend heavily on how the system is designed, monitored, and integrated into daily practice.
What CCTV cannot replace
- Rigorous staff recruitment and vetting
- Strong leadership and supervision
- A well-trained and trusted workforce
- Clear safeguarding policies and regular training
- Open communication with parents
Technology supports safety but does not create it on its own.
Summary
CCTV and webcams can contribute to safer nursery environments, but they are not a safeguarding solution in isolation. Their effectiveness depends on responsible implementation, strong leadership, and a culture of trust and professionalism.
When combined with robust policies, staff training, and open communication with families, they can enhance transparency and reassurance. But without these foundations, cameras risk becoming symbolic rather than genuinely protective.
