ChildcareSafety

CCTV in Childcare: What Parents Need to Know in Singapore

Leaving your child at a preschool involves trust. CCTV can help a centre review an incident, but it is useful to understand what cameras cover and how a parent can ask to see relevant footage.

Yes, CCTV is mandatory in Singapore preschools. The requirement took effect on 1 July 2024, as set out in MSF’s announcement. ECDA’s current guidance on the mandate confirms that preschools must install cameras in areas used by children. This does not give parents unrestricted access to a live camera feed.

Where preschool cameras must be installed

Under ECDA’s CCTV installation requirements, coverage includes entrances and exits, corridors used by children, classrooms and activity rooms, common dining areas, and indoor or outdoor play areas within the premises. Infant-care settings must also cover infants’ napping rooms.

Cameras must not be placed in toilets, changing rooms or staff rest areas. Entry and exit cameras must record during and after operating hours; cameras inside must record during operating hours. The system must retain at least 30 days of footage, with correct dates and timestamps. Audio recording is not required.

On a visit, ask the centre to explain its camera coverage and how it checks that the equipment is working. A camera on the wall alone cannot tell you whether a particular incident was recorded clearly.

Can parents view CCTV footage?

ECDA’s guidance on parental requests says that a parent seeking footage of a safety-related incident involving their child should make a written request to the preschool. Authorised personnel should respond promptly and assess whether the request is reasonable.

Access is subject to privacy and investigation requirements. A preschool is not required to give parents access to footage of an incident being investigated by ECDA, the Singapore Police Force or another regulatory agency. Ask the centre to explain the process that applies to your request rather than assuming that a recording can be released immediately.

This incident-review process does not amount to a promise of routine livestreaming, unrestricted recordings or copies on demand. Ask separately about any viewing service the centre offers and its safeguards.

Privacy, masking and possible fees

Other children, staff or visitors may appear in a recording. ECDA explains that preschools may charge for masking other people’s faces to protect their privacy. The amount depends on the work involved and is set by the preschool. Ask for an explanation of any charge before agreeing to it, and speak to management if payment is difficult.

For everyday reassurance, ask how the centre shares updates about your child’s day and raises concerns with families. This can be more useful than expecting CCTV access for every routine question.

How to make a useful written request

If you are concerned about an incident involving your child, contact the centre promptly. The following checklist can help you make a clear request:

1. Identify the incident. Include your child’s name and class, the date, approximate time and location.
2. Describe the concern. Explain what you observed or were told, and distinguish this from what you do not yet know.
3. Ask about the relevant recording. Request that the centre review and preserve any relevant footage, and explain its viewing process.
4. Agree on follow-up. Ask who will respond, when you can expect an update, and whether privacy masking or an agency investigation affects access.
5. Keep the correspondence. Note the centre’s explanation and any agreed next steps.

Use this checklist to explain your concern clearly; it cannot guarantee that footage is available or that access will be granted. If you suspect child mismanagement, report your concern to ECDA using the contact details in MSF’s preschool CCTV announcement. Do not wait for a viewing appointment to raise the concern.

What CCTV cannot replace

Cameras can support a review of events, but a recording may not show the whole incident or explain its context. Discuss staff supervision, how concerns are recorded, who contacts parents and what happens after a complaint. Ask the centre to explain an incident using the information available, rather than treating a recording as the only evidence.

When choosing a preschool, consider its day-to-day care alongside the camera policy: how staff respond to children, how handovers work, and whether your questions receive clear answers.

Does the same framework apply to a nanny or childminder?

Be clear about the arrangement you are considering. Private nanny care, the ECDA infant childminding pilot and licensed preschool care are different services. ECDA states that the childminding pilot operates through service requirements for appointed operators, rather than preschool licensing. Ask a childminding operator about its own camera, privacy and incident-review arrangements; do not assume the preschool rules above apply unchanged to a home.

For private nanny care, discuss any home cameras and access arrangements openly with the caregiver before care starts. If you are comparing services, our infant-care visit checklist can help you ask about oversight, routines and communication as well as CCTV.