Protecting your early years setting with confidence
In today’s digital world, nurseries are increasingly reliant on technology, from managing child records to communicating with parents. But with this convenience comes risk. Cyber threats are growing and early years settings are not immune.
That’s why NDNA and experts from Citation Cyber and Pound Gates Insurance are helping nurseries stay safe, informed and protected.
Why cyber security matters in early years
Nurseries hold sensitive data, such as children’s personal details, staff records and financial information. A cyber breach could lead to:
- Data loss or theft
- Disruption to operations
- Reputational damage
- Financial penalties under GDPR.
Whether you’re using nursery management software or storing files digitally, cyber security should be a priority.
Citation Cyber and NDNA bring you the knowledge and information to better understand and manage cyber risks as a nursery. Download Citation Cyber’s free NDNATalk: cyber security guide to receive practical guidance tailored to early years settings.
How to strengthen your nursery’s cyber security
Building strong cyber security doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by focusing on these key areas:
Data protection and safeguarding
Every nursery handles sensitive information from child records to parent contact details. It’s important that this data is stored safely and responsibly. Make sure your systems meet GDPR requirements, understand what personal data you collect and why and restrict access to only those who need it.
Keep software and devices up to date, install trusted antivirus and firewall software and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. These small steps can make a big difference in preventing data breaches.
Staff awareness and training
Your team is your first line of defence. Building confidence in spotting and avoiding cyber threats is key.
- Start with short, engaging training sessions on phishing, passwords and safe browsing
- Promote the use of strong passwords such as the ‘three random words’ approach or a password manager
- Regular simulated phishing tests can help staff practise identifying suspicious messages.
Creating a culture where staff feel comfortable reporting concerns or mistakes quickly is one of the best ways to stay safe.
Communication security
Whether you are emailing parents or sharing updates online, communication needs to be secure. Use parent apps or systems with strong privacy protections and switch on MFA for all business email accounts.
Avoid sharing identifiable information about children on social media, newsletters or websites. A quick check before posting helps keep everyone’s data secure.
Backup and recovery
Even the best systems can fail. Regular backups protect your nursery from losing important data.
Use reputable cloud providers with UK or EU data centres and set up automated backups so nothing gets missed. Keep a simple recovery checklist ready so staff know what to do if systems go down or data is lost.
Physical security
Cyber security isn’t just about screens, it’s about the spaces around them too.
Lock away laptops and tablets when not in use, restrict access to office areas with IT equipment and make sure monitors showing sensitive information aren’t visible to visitors. Simple measures like this keep your digital and physical environments secure.
IT support and vendor management
If your nursery uses outside IT support or online software, make sure your providers follow strong security practices. Ask how your data is stored and protected and include cyber security expectations in your service contracts. Working with trusted suppliers helps reduce risk across all your systems.
Stay informed
Keep up to date with new threats and advice by following the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Their guidance for small and medium-sized organisations includes practical steps to reduce risk.
Cyber insurance protection
Even with strong systems in place, cyber incidents can still happen. Cyber insurance can help nurseries recover more quickly and reduce the impact of data breaches or attacks.
What is cyber insurance?
Cyber insurance helps support your nursery in the event of a cyber incident. It covers financial losses, legal assistance and crisis communications. It’s not a substitute for strong cyber defences — nurseries must have good systems in place to qualify for cover.
Why might nurseries consider it?
- Access to IT, legal and PR support during incidents
- Assistance with data recovery and operational disruption
- Reassurance if a breach affects parents, staff or children.
Pound Gates are specialist insurance brokers with extensive experience working in the early years sector, helping nurseries understand and manage their business risks effectively.
Important note: Nurseries should take time to research different policies and choose an insurance provider that understands the early years sector. The right cover will depend on your setting’s size, services and specific risks, so it’s important to find a policy that fits your needs and circumstances.
Need nursery support?
NDNA members can access exclusive webinars, policy templates and expert advice. If you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to help.
Contact us or sign up for membership here.