Nursery Security – Because Nothing Matters More Than Safety

Children need a safe space to learn and grow. Of course it’s also a legal requirement! Accidents are sometimes inevitable but proper security measures, including safety monitoring, minimises risk. Incidents can be quickly and effectively investigated and steps taken to prevent future issues.

Parents also factor how safe a nursery is in their considerations when choosing a provider for their children. If your setting is clearly safe and secure, it sets you apart from the competition.

CCTV systems help nurseries protect children and staff by monitoring entrances, play areas and common areas.

Good quality CCTV footage supports a safe and secure nursery:

• Identify training opportunities for staff
• Review and establish facts swiftly in the event of an incident
• Provide evidence in HR or police investigations

Guidelines and laws must be adhered to regarding protection and privacy.

Read more on how to compliantly install CCTV in your nursery.

Nurseries need to ensure that they comply with GDPR when it comes to the security solutions you have in place.

The GDPR promote safety regarding the processing of personal data of all individuals and children are classed as vulnerable.

If you are implementing a biometric access control system or CCTV security cameras, or biometric time and attendance then you must complete a Data Privacy Impact Assessment.

With a fingerprint or facial access control system, the children will not be enrolled, but you must communicate with staff and parents as to why you are implementing the system. The ICO is a good authority as to your responsibilities.

CCTV cameras definitely will capture children’s images and you should have policies in place covering all responsibilities under the GDPR.

If you’d like further information please get in touch. We provide our customers with templates, signage and advice to keep them compliant.

Opinion is divided on this matter. For new parents it can promote confidence in the first few days that their child is in nursery.

However, if you give CCTV access details to parents, then they will be able to view other parent’s children too. You have no way of controlling what is done with that footage.

Almas Industries strongly advise that parents should not have access remotely to CCTV cameras, but ultimately it is the nursery management team’s decision.

You should have a policy and procedure in place that covers any request to view footage by a parent. This could be in response to an incident on site that the parent feels should be investigated or wants to take further.

Parents cannot force you to give them access to see the footage. We would suggest you conduct an investigation and report back to the parent. If they still want to review the footage then if appropriate you could invite them in to view it in a controlled environment.

The police or garda can request footage be downloaded. They should complete a request form and any request should come from a trusted email address.

Almas Customers have access to GDPR templates and advice, please just ask your Security Consultant

For your signage to be considered GDPR compliant, it should be placed at the entrance to any access points to your site, so it’s visible as the individual is captured on camera.

CCTV signage must also contain the reason why it is being used, details of the organisation that is using the CCTV system and contact details should there be any queries.

The sign should also be a size that is appropriate for the setting; we generally advise A3 externally and A4 internally.

Read our leading article on GDPR compliance and CCTV signage.

Yes, it is legal to have CCTV cameras set up in the baby room of a nursery, but it must be done carefully to protect privacy. Cameras are usually placed to monitor entrances, exits, and sleeping areas without intruding on children’s dignity.

Nursery owners ask us whether they can have cameras in a changing area. Opinion is divided, we would generally advise against it due to the sensitive nature of data being captured.

However, ultimately it is the nursery owner’s decision. There are also techniques that can be applied to mask the actual changing mats. Ultimately we believe that CCTV is safety monitoring and it’s there to protect your team and the children in your care, but the footage, both access to and storage of, must be strictly protected.

It is vital that you have a Data Privacy Impact Assessment in place that covers all your responsibilities under the GDPR.

If you’d like advice on safety monitoring for your nursery setting, please get in touch with us. You can also read our comprehensive article on CCTV in Nurseries

There is no doubt that it’s at the forefront of a parent’s mind when they choose a setting for their child. For nursery owners and managers trying to attract customers, communicating clearly and reassuring prospective customers as to how you take security and safety seriously in your nursery, could make the different between them choosing you, or a competitor.
Read more about how to combat parents’ security concerns.

Biometric access control, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, is one of the most secure ways to protect nurseries. Unlike keys or fobs, biometrics can’t be lost, stolen, or shared, so only authorised staff or parents can gain entry. This reduces the risk of unauthorised visitors and supports safeguarding policies by providing a clear record of who has accessed the nursery and when. Access rights can be updated quickly if custody arrangements change.

Read how children play safer with biometric access control.

Security systems like access control, CCTV, and intruder alarms support a safer environment for children. They ensure nurseries meet safeguarding standards by controlling who enters the site and monitoring activity throughout the day.

Read more about how your security should support safeguarding in your nursery.

When CCTV is explained properly, most staff and parents see it as a positive safeguarding measure. It’s designed to protect children, staff, and visitors, not to intrude, and systems are placed sensitively to maintain a welcoming atmosphere.

You can read our comprehensive article on CCTV in Nurseries

Yes. When installed and managed correctly, CCTV is fully GDPR compliant. Clear signage, secure data storage, and limited access to footage ensure children’s privacy is protected while supporting safeguarding policies.