Weaverham High School installs CCTV cameras in toilets

Weaverham High School made the decision due to damage being caused ‘deliberately’ and pupils vaping in the toilets.

The Lime Avenue school says this is in an effort to make every pupil ‘feel safe from the moment they walk through the school gates’.

For this reason, CCTV is already in place across the school site, headteacher Clare Morgan said.

However some pupils and parents are not happy that cameras have been installed in the toilets.

In a letter to parents and carers on November 28, deputy headteacher Richard Harris explained pupils’ behaviour over the last few weeks has led to damage being caused to the communal toilets.

The cameras in the toilets (Image: Submitted)

The letter says: “When the need to fix damage that has been caused deliberately becomes a regular issue, we have to act.

“You will no doubt be aware of the national issues relating to a significant increase in the number of young people vaping.

“Schools county-wide are considering ways in which to educate pupils on the risk and potential damage of vaping.

“Schools are experiencing this in their communities, particularly in communal toilet spaces and we are no exception.

“By being able to respond swiftly to sanction and support pupils who do choose to vape in the building, we hope to reduce the harm such actions can cause, both short term and in the long term.

“We are also addressing the dangers of vaping through our Life Curriculum and tutor sessions.

Weaverham High School (Image: Google)

“On Friday, CCTV cameras were placed in this communal space.

“We have worked closely with the company who have installed them to ensure the lens filter only captures the communal space and wash basins and no other part of the toilets.

“No cubicle or other area of that environment is covered where there would be a risk to the privacy for our students.”

However, one parent, who wished to remain anonymous, feels a consultation should have taken place.

She said: "It’s worrying. I understand they are to stop vaping in the toilets, but I think it is an invasion of their privacy.

"My daughter is only in year nine, and she came home very confused. She was shocked the school had done that.

"I feel like we should have had a say in it, as parents. We should have been consulted.

"If there is a problem with behaviour in the toilets, they should be monitored by staff."

The school stressed a member of staff would still be on duty outside the toilets as usual and pupils are encouraged to report any concerns in students’ behaviour.

Mr Harris added a ‘significant amount of money’ has been set aside to refurbish both the girls and boys toilets, the plans of which will be shared with the school council in due course before a decision is made.