A Disappointing Response From The Department of Education
Pitiful is the only way I can describe the response from the Department of Education, we will keep fighting.
We are not done yet!
A quote from Charlotte, Tobies mum:
"I’m absolutely appalled at the response given which clearly shows a lack of concern for the vulnerable individuals experiencing inhumane abuse because they do not receive this bottom level protection which could and would not only prevent abuse but also assist in prosecuting any monster capable of harming others in this way to the full extent of the law. What happened to Tobie was absolutely barbaric and we have no idea if he’d experienced the same trauma previously to the accidental capture of it on CCTV not to mention his peers who are also unable to communicate may have experienced similar at the hands of the convicted child abuser responsible for it."
Their response: Thank you for your petition, delivered to the Prime Minister’s office on 21 February, regarding the use of CCTV in special education settings. Your petition has been passed to this department.
I would like to assure you that our ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs or a disability, or in alternative provision, receive the support they need to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.
We are committed to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring that special schools cater to those with the most complex needs. The department is working closely with experts on reforms, including establishing an Expert Advisory Group on Inclusion and a Neurodiversity Task and Finish Group. We have also appointed a strategic advisor for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), who will play a key role in convening and engaging with the sector, including leaders, practitioners, children and families, as we consider the next steps for the future of SEND reform. However, the government cannot do it alone - we will work with the sector as essential and valued partners to deliver our shared mission.
Safeguarding children in schools is an absolute priority for the government and schools have a critical role to play in protecting children and keeping them safe. Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE) is the statutory guidance that all schools and colleges must have regard to when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
Part three of the KCSIE guidance sets out what schools and colleges ‘must do’ to meet its legal requirements, what they should do, what is considered best practice including important information about all aspects of safer recruitment. The guidance can be found on the GOV.UK website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2
It is currently the responsibility of the school to determine if CCTV or monitoring equipment is needed at their setting. If the school decides to install CCTV or monitoring equipment, it must comply with data protection legislation. To help schools make informed decisions and ensure compliance with legislation there is a useful guide on the Information Commissioners Office website at: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/cctv-and-video-surveillance/guidance-on-video-surveillance-including-cctv/
Thank you for taking the time to contact the Prime Minister.
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2025-0008899. If you need to respond to us, please visit https://www.education.gov.uk/contactus and quote your reference number.
Yours sincerely
Ministerial and Public Communications Division