243 - CCTV in Early Years: Are We Solving the Right Problem?

So let's be realistic, let's be honest, this, this really isn't a conversation that's literally appeared overnight.

And over the last few years, several high-profile safeguarding incidents in early years settings have shocked families, providers, and the wider public.

In some of those cases, CCTV footage played a crucial role in establishing what happened.

Footage became, uh, provided evidence, it answered questions, it contradicted accounts, and in some cases, footage a- actually helped secure convictions, which is a no-brainer, right? But as a result, uh, grieving, grieving families, campaign groups, and some politicians have called for CCTV to become mandatory in all early years settings.

And when what was once a discussion amongst providers in na- now is being discussed at a national level, and this is why this really matters because the decision being made over the next, uh, year could affect every setting in the country.

And there, there's a call for a change.

So many listeners will have heard about the campaign led by a family of Geneveve Meehan, known as Gigi.

So we know following her tragic death at nursery, her family launched a campaign called, uh, calling for mandatory CCTV in all early years setting.

Their argument is simple: If cameras had not been there, the evidence, uh, may never existed.

Without footage, questions can remain answer- unanswered.

Without footage, providing wrongdoing can provide, but can become much more difficult.

And as many parents listening today will completely understand that perspective, um, and if you're a parent, you'll know that.

If something's happened to your child, wouldn't you want every possible piece of evidence available? It's a powerful, it's a powerful argument, right? And it's one that's gained such significant support.

And now Parliament is now discussing it, which is good.

And this is no longer simply an early years sector debate.

This issue is now being discussed in Parliament.

And, uh, government ministers have confirmed that CCTV in early years setting is being actively considered as part of a wider safeguarding reform, and an advisory group, group has been looking at the benefits, challenges, and implications of mandatory CCTV.

Questions being considered really are include like, should, should CCTV be compulsory? What areas should it cover? Who should have access to the footage? How long should footage be retained for? How will providers manage that data protection? What safeguarding would need to protect children and staff? And the reality is that change is possible, and that means that us as providers need to start thinking about the issue now rather than waiting until a decision is being made.