7 Questions Ofsted Might Ask About Your Cyber Security

Cyber security rarely appears as a standalone topic during inspection, but inspectors from Ofsted increasingly explore it through safeguarding, leadership, record-keeping and online safety. These are the questions they are most likely to ask, directly or indirectly and what they are really looking for.

Written for nursery owners, managers and DSLs, this resource breaks down how digital safety fits into everyday practice, from staff device use to handling information securely. No jargon, no scare tactics, just clear guidance aligned with inspection expectations.

1. How do you keep children safe when using digital systems and devices?

Inspectors want reassurance that digital technology does not create safeguarding gaps. A strong answer explains that personal devices are not permitted in child areas, that nursery-owned devices are used for photos and records, and that images are stored securely on approved platforms.

What matters most is not the technology itself, but that staff understand why controls exist and follow them consistently.

2. How do you manage photographs and videos of children safely?

This question tests safeguarding awareness rather than IT capability. Inspectors are listening for clear rules around who can take photos, on which devices and where those images are stored.

They will expect you to be confident that images are not kept on personal phones, are deleted from devices once uploaded, and are never taken during intimate care routines such as toileting or nappy changing.

3. How do you protect confidential information about children and families?

Here, inspectors are checking confidentiality and data handling rather than GDPR terminology. A good response focuses on limiting access to records, using secure systems for parent communication, and ensuring staff only record what is genuinely needed for care, learning or safeguarding.

Being able to explain how information is kept private, both digitally and physically , demonstrates strong safeguarding culture.

4. What happens if something goes wrong, such as data being shared with the wrong parent?

Inspectors are not looking for perfection. They are looking for honesty, awareness and prompt action.

A strong answer explains that staff are expected to report mistakes immediately, that leaders assess risk calmly and that there is a clear process for responding to incidents. This shows a learning culture where concerns are raised early rather than hidden.

5. How do you ensure staff understand online safety and digital risks?

This question explores staff knowledge and leadership oversight. Inspectors want to know that staff receive regular training, understand professional boundaries and know how to recognise suspicious emails or unsafe online behaviour.

It’s helpful to explain that digital safety is covered alongside safeguarding, not treated as a separate or technical subject.

6. How do you manage internet access and online content in the setting?

Inspectors are checking that online risks are managed sensibly. A confident answer explains that filtering and monitoring are in place, staff do not bypass controls and any issues with blocked content are reported rather than worked around.

This reassures inspectors that children are protected from inappropriate content and that adults model safe behaviour.

7. How do leaders know these systems are working?

This final question focuses on leadership and governance. Inspectors want to hear that policies are reviewed, incidents are logged, staff training is refreshed and safeguarding arrangements are not left to chance.

Being able to show that cyber security is reviewed as part of safeguarding, rather than treated as an IT afterthought, demonstrates strong, reflective leadership.

What inspectors are really looking for

Across all seven questions, inspectors are assessing whether:

• Digital safety is treated as part of safeguarding

• Staff understand expectations and boundaries

• Leaders have oversight and accountability

• Risks are identified and managed proportionately

• The setting learns from mistakes

Cyber security does not need to be complex. In Early Years settings, clarity, consistency and culture matter far more than technical detail.