Understanding Legal and Ethical CCTV Usage in Early Learning Environments

Childcare centres across Australia are increasingly adopting CCTV systems to improve safety, accountability, and transparency. But installing surveillance in environments with children carries a serious legal and ethical responsibility.

As a childcare provider, you must ensure your setup complies with state surveillance legislation, privacy laws, and sector-specific standards like those from ACECQA and your local council.

This guide outlines key legal considerations so you can remain compliant while building a safe and respectful space.

Is CCTV Legal in Childcare Centres?

Yes — surveillance cameras are legal in Australian childcare centres, provided they’re used transparently, ethically, and within legal limits.

Permitted uses include:

• Installing cameras in common areas (e.g., entrances, playrooms, admin spaces)
• Recording for safety, training, or incident review
• Storing footage for a reasonable time (usually 14–30 days)

Not permitted:

• Camera placement in bathrooms, change areas, or nap rooms
• Audio recording without consent (varies by state)
• Using footage for undisclosed or covert purposes

Key Legislation to Follow (by State)

Each state and territory has unique laws regulating surveillance. Here’s an overview:

To comply, centres must:

• Display CCTV signage at all entry points
• Notify staff and parents in writing
• Avoid filming sensitive areas (e.g. toilets, sleep rooms)

Guidelines from ACECQA and Local Councils

While there is no single national law, both ACECQA and local councils recommend surveillance systems must:

• Respect children’s dignity and privacy
• Support a safe learning environment
• Be implemented with informed consent
• Not replace active supervision by staff

Councils such as City of Sydney and Moreland VIC may request a camera map during inspections — we provide this after every install.

Parental Notification and Consent

Although not all states require signed consent, it’s best practice to:

• Inform parents about CCTV during enrolment
• Include CCTV use in your parent handbook or centre agreement
• Share an FAQ outlining footage use, access, and storage

Sample parent notice:

“To support safety, Serious Learning Centre has installed CCTV cameras in common areas. These are not placed in bathrooms or sleep rooms. Footage is securely stored and accessible only to the Centre Director for legitimate safety concerns.”

Data Storage and Access Control

CCTV footage is considered sensitive information under Australian privacy law. Centres must:

• Restrict footage access to authorised personnel only
• Store footage securely and encrypt where possible
• Delete footage after the retention period unless required for legal use

Our systems include:

• Password-protected admin access
• Auto-deletion after 14–30 days
• Secure backup options (for legal retention)

Stay Ahead of Your Obligations

Compliance is more than a checkbox—it’s about creating a safe, transparent, and trusted environment.

By partnering with our licensed team, you’ll get expert installation and peace of mind that your system aligns with legal and sector standards.

Need help designing a compliance-ready solution? Book a free consultation today and we’ll guide you every step of the way.