Policy and Procedure No. 50
CCTV Policy
- Purpose
Millfield Pre-School uses CCTV to help keep our children, staff, volunteers, visitors and premises safe.
The system is there to help prevent crime and damage, support safeguarding where needed and provide evidence if an incident occurs.
CCTV is not used to routinely monitor staff or children.
- Camera Locations
CCTV cameras are installed in appropriate locations around the pre-school to help keep children, staff, volunteers, visitors and the premises safe. Cameras are positioned only where necessary for these purposes and are not installed in toilets, changing areas or any other area where individuals would reasonably expect privacy.
- Lawful Basis
Millfield Pre-School processes CCTV images under the lawful basis of legitimate interests. This is because CCTV helps us maintain a safe and secure environment, protect our property and support the investigation of incidents where necessary.
- Access to CCTV
A live CCTV monitor is located in the office to be viewed by staff when required for the safety and security of the setting, for example to identify visitors before allowing access through the entrance.
The live feed only displays areas covered by the CCTV system, including external and entrance areas. It is not used to monitor children’s activities or staff performance.
The monitor is positioned so that it cannot be viewed by members of the public or unauthorised individuals and can be switched off when it is not required.
Access to recorded CCTV footage is restricted to authorised individuals, such as the Manager, Deputy Manager and Chairperson.
Recorded footage will only be accessed where there is a genuine and lawful reason, for example:
- Following an accident or incident.
- As part of a safeguarding concern.
- To investigate theft, vandalism or damage property.
- At the request of police, insurers or other authorised agency where legally appropriate.
CCTV footage remains confidential and must not be shared with anyone who is not authorised to access it.
- Storage and retention of footage
CCTV recordings are stored securely and protected by password access.
Recording are normally retained for up to 30 days before being automatically overwritten, unless the footage is required as part of an investigation, insurance claim, or legal proceedings.
Any footage that is saved for a specific purpose will be securely stored and deleted once it is no longer required.
- Sharing CCTV footage
CCTV footage will only be shared where there is a lawful reason to do so.
This may include sharing footage with:
- The police.
- Safeguarding agencies.
- Insurers.
- Other authorised agencies where required by law.
Footage will never be shared on social media or with unauthorised individuals.
- CCTV Signage
Clear signs are displayed around the pre-school to inform people that CCTV is in operation.
- Data protection and individual rights
Millfield Pre-School manages CCTV in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
- Responsibilities
The management committee is responsible for ensuring that CCTV is used appropriately and that this policy is reviewed regularly.
Staff must:
- Only use CCTV for its intended purpose.
- Keep CCTV footage confidential.
- Report any concerns about the use of CCTV to the Manager or Chairperson.
Signed: Clara Hall- Chairperson
Signed: Tegan Kidman- Lead Practitioner/Manager.
Reviewed: 18th August 2026.
Review: 18th August 2027.