CCTV is sometimes used in childcare centres and schools across Australia to improve safety, monitor entry points, prevent unauthorised access, and assist with incident investigations.

However, CCTV in childcare environments is considered highly sensitive, because it involves recording children and staff in environments where privacy expectations are significantly higher.

Childcare and school CCTV should always be:

• minimal and proportionate
• focused on legitimate safety/security needs
• strictly controlled in access
• positioned away from private or sensitive areas

This page provides childcare-specific CCTV compliance guidance and an educational checklist for centre operators, school administrators, and facility managers.

⚠ Important: This tool is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. CCTV compliance for children and educational environments may involve additional obligations and should be professionally reviewed.

Childcare CCTV Compliance — Key Considerations

Childcare CCTV is usually appropriate only in limited areas such as:

• entrances and exits
• reception areas
• perimeter gates
• external play areas (where justified)

Because children are vulnerable, best practice includes:

✅ Avoid Intrusive Monitoring of Children

CCTV should not be used for unnecessary monitoring of children’s daily activities unless clearly justified.

✅ Never Install Cameras in Private Areas

CCTV must never be installed in:

• bathrooms
• nappy change areas
• private staff spaces
• sensitive child-care zones

✅ Strict Access Controls

Footage access should be limited to:

• centre director
• authorised senior staff
• approved investigators (where lawful)

Casual staff access is not appropriate.

✅ Short Retention Periods Preferred

Retention should be as short as practical, often 7–30 days, unless incidents require longer storage.

✅ Clear Documentation and Policy

Childcare operators should have written policies explaining:

• why CCTV is used
• where cameras operate
• who can access footage
• how requests/complaints are handled

✅ Childcare CCTV Compliance FAQ (Australia)

1. Is CCTV allowed in childcare centres in Australia?

Yes, CCTV may be used for legitimate safety and security purposes, but childcare CCTV is highly sensitive and must be carefully managed.

2. Can childcare centres install cameras in classrooms?

This is a sensitive area. CCTV should generally be limited to entry points and safety zones, not intrusive monitoring of children.

3. Can CCTV be installed in bathrooms or change areas?

No. Cameras must never be installed in private or highly sensitive areas.

4. Do childcare centres need CCTV signage?

Yes. Signage should clearly inform staff, families, and visitors that CCTV operates on the premises.

5. Can childcare CCTV record audio?

Audio recording is extremely sensitive and generally discouraged, particularly around children.

6. Who should have access to childcare CCTV footage?

Only authorised senior personnel. Access should be tightly restricted and documented.

7. Can parents request CCTV footage of their child?

Requests may arise, but disclosure must consider privacy rights of other children and staff. Professional guidance is recommended.

8. How long should childcare CCTV footage be kept?

Retention should be minimal — many centres use 7–30 days, unless incidents require longer storage.

9. Can childcare CCTV footage be shared publicly?

No. Sharing footage publicly is inappropriate and may breach privacy expectations.

10. What is the biggest CCTV compliance risk in childcare?

The biggest risks include:

• intrusive camera placement
• weak access control
• lack of written policy
• inappropriate disclosure of footage

11. Should childcare centres have a CCTV privacy policy?

Yes. Written CCTV policies are strongly recommended in childcare environments.

12. Can childcare CCTV footage be given to police?

Yes, where lawful and relevant to an investigation.

13. Should childcare CCTV use facial recognition?

No. Facial recognition around children is highly sensitive and generally discouraged.

14. Can staff be monitored by childcare CCTV?

CCTV should not be used for unfair staff surveillance. Use must remain proportionate and safety-focused.

15. What should a childcare CCTV policy include?

At minimum:

• legitimate purpose
• monitored locations
• access rules
• retention period
• parent/staff enquiry process
• complaint handling procedures