Parents have expressed anger after an Oxfordshire secondary school installed cameras in the school toilets.

Matthew Arnold School in Oxford recently implemented the policy without consulting parents on the matter.

It is not illegal for schools to install cameras in the bathrooms, as long as they are not directed towards the cubicles.

But the issue has still sparked concerns among parents at the school. 

One dad, who did not wish to be named, said: “My daughter is 14, and she is mortified at the thought that the school is monitoring her behaviour in the bathrooms.

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“She said she just won’t go to the toilets at school at all and will wait until she returns home.

“They don’t have to put cameras in the area, especially for the girls who would consider that an off-limit sanctuary.”

The same parent also raised concerns about who was monitoring the footage and how secure it was.

Another parent voiced discontent that the cameras were being used instead of teachers engaging with pupils on disciplinary matters.

The parent explained: “The headteacher told us that the toilets are pretty much the only unsupervised area of the school where staff very rarely go.

"We were also told they have a duty of care to safeguard young people and keep them safe. That includes stopping bullying, damage and vandalism.

“Installing cameras instead of talking to the students or using discipline seems like an easier way of solving the problem.”

Those who support the policy point to the importance the cameras play in keeping pupils safe.

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Jane Kenyon, founder of Girls Out Loud, a social enterprise dedicated to raising the aspirations of teenage girls in the UK, said: "Whilst I understand this feels like an invasion of privacy, it is in fact a safety measure.

“Sexual assaults, drug use, bullying and vaping are just a few of the worrying and dangerous activities now taking place in these areas, as perpetrators see them as off radar.

Oxford Mail: Jane Kenyon, founder of Girls Out Loud Jane Kenyon, founder of Girls Out Loud

“However, I would say the cameras should only be directed to general areas and not private cubicles.

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“Unfortunately I think this is likely to become standard practice before long, but schools should communicate their plans and consult with students on their reasons for doing this and put minds at rest about privacy and confidentiality issues.”

Matthew Arnold School was approached for comment in response to the allegations made.

Headteacher Antony Broadley said: “As with most schools CCTV is used at Matthew Arnold as one of many tools to ensure the students are safe in and around the school site.

“We have communicated with all of our parents about its purpose and where the cameras are situated.”

The Association of School and College Leaders has been contacted for comment.