Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will hold a consultation on the mandatory use of CCTV in childcare nurseries.

The early years foundation stage statutory framework requires providers to have safeguarding policies that address the use of mobile phones, cameras, and other electronic devices with imaging and sharing capabilities. Decisions about installing and using CCTV are for individual providers, subject to safeguarding and data protection requirements. While CCTV can support safeguarding, it is most effective when combined with strong safeguarding cultures, supported by training, supervision and effective oversight.

As part of the department’s ongoing review of safeguarding requirements, an expert advisory panel is being established to inform sector guidance on the safe and effective use of CCTV and digital devices within safeguarding. This guidance will consider whether CCTV should be mandated and will set out best practice, technical advice and clear expectations.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has sent invites to experts and groups identified as best placed to ensure that the guidance is high quality and evidence informed. The first meeting will take place in early March.