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Nurseries and Early Years Providers: CCTV
04 February 2026
Lead MP
Tulip Siddiq
Hampstead and Highgate
Lab
Responding Minister
Olivia Bailey
Tags
Education
Word Count: 4215
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Tulip Siddiq raised concerns about nurseries and early years providers: cctv in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP called for further exploration of practical measures like compulsory CCTV and stronger inspection and accountability frameworks to ensure children's safety in nurseries.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The MP highlighted harrowing cases of child abuse in nurseries, emphasising the need for better safeguarding measures. She discussed the importance of mandatory CCTV as a tool to secure convictions in cases of neglect or abuse, citing examples such as the case of Genevieve from Tiny Toes nursery where CCTV footage was crucial.
Connor Rand
Lab
Altrincham and Sale West
He highlighted the case of his constituent Frances, advocating for parents' rights to access CCTV footage as well as mandatory CCTV installation in nurseries.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
She agreed with the need for practical measures like compulsory CCTV and stressed the importance of exploring the operation of the inspection and accountability framework in early years settings.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
He commended the hon. Lady for her dedication on child safety issues, agreeing that every nursery should have affordable access to CCTV systems.
Twickenham
Welcomes the expert advisory panel and requests involvement in ensuring parent concerns are heard. Also asks about a register for early years practitioners to prevent perpetrators from reoffending.
Olivia Bailey
Con
Wellingborough
The Minister acknowledges the importance of clear roles for local authorities and highlights increased funding and frequency of Ofsted inspections. She also mentions ongoing reviews following horrendous cases to learn lessons and implement changes.
Rachel Blake
Lab/Co-op
Cities of London and Westminster
Supported the case for mandatory CCTV in nurseries, suggesting that more effective measures need to be taken by Ofsted and local authorities to address incidents faster. One issue is the role of local authorities in safeguarding, suggesting a gap or lack of communication between Ofsted and local authorities.
Government Response
Olivia Bailey
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education
Government Response
Announces the formation of an expert advisory panel to review the use of CCTV and digital devices in early years settings. The panel will address issues such as privacy, cyber-security, and misuse of images. It will involve representatives from various Government departments and external bodies to ensure a comprehensive response. Across Government, we are working urgently to implement effective and evidence-based changes to early years safeguarding with increased funding for Ofsted inspections and ongoing local reviews. The goal is to ensure that our children are safe.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.