Published on the Discovery Knowledge Hub
Based on Discovery Schools Trust’s official document: https://www.danemill.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ONVU-Learning-Further-Questions-and-Answers-for-Parents.pdf
Supporting Teacher Growth, Not Surveillance
At Discovery Schools Trust, we are introducing ONVU Learning cameras to help teachers reflect on and develop their classroom practice. These cameras are a powerful tool for professional learning, enabling staff to review their teaching, share insights with mentors, and continually enhance their skills.
This initiative is entirely teacher-led and non-intrusive. It is not a surveillance system, nor is it used for performance management. The purpose is simple: to support teachers in becoming the best they can be, which in turn benefits every pupil in our classrooms.
Privacy, Consent and Safeguarding
Under UK GDPR, schools can rely on the lawful basis of ‘public task’ when processing data for educational purposes. Because ONVU Learning directly supports teaching and learning, parental consent is not required.
That said, Discovery is committed to transparency and safeguarding. While it isn’t possible to exclude individual pupils from recordings, parents can be reassured that:
Cameras are not focused on pupils.
Recordings are used only for teacher reflection.
Footage is never shared externally.
For vulnerable pupils, including adopted or previously looked-after children, the same high standards apply. No footage is ever used for behaviour management, safeguarding investigations, or disciplinary actions — unless a serious safeguarding concern arises, in which case standard procedures are followed.
Recording, Access and Retention
ONVU Learning cameras are only active when teachers choose to record — they do not record continuously or stream live video.
Teacher ownership: Only the teacher can access their recordings.
Optional sharing: Teachers may share short clips (5–15 minutes) with mentors or coaches for professional dialogue.
No leadership access: Senior Leadership Teams or external advisors cannot access recordings unless shared voluntarily.
Retention limits: Full recordings are deleted after 30 days; saved clips remain for up to one year in the teacher’s secure account.
Accountability: Two trained system administrators manage technical aspects only, following a strict Code of Conduct with full audit trails.
Data Protection and Security
Discovery Schools Trust has completed a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) to ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Safeguards in place include:
Access control: Only teachers can view their footage.
Encryption: Data is encrypted in transit and at rest.
Audit trails: All access is logged for accountability.
Data minimisation: Only short reflective clips are stored.
Retention: Full recordings are deleted after 30 days, clips after one year.
In the unlikely event of a data breach, the Trust will notify affected individuals and report to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as required.
Recordings are not part of any pupil’s educational record and are not shared with parents except under specific, legally defined circumstances.
How Footage Is Used
Recordings from ONVU Learning are used solely for teacher development. They are not used for:
Behaviour management
Safeguarding investigations
Performance management
Discovery Schools Trust does not currently use the system to create a “bank of best practice” lessons. Should this ever change, parents will be informed in advance. Teachers remain in complete control of their recordings and any sharing for professional purposes.
Supporting Pupils
Teachers always explain the purpose of ONVU Learning cameras in an age-appropriate way, making clear that they are for teacher learning, not pupil monitoring.
If a child feels anxious, teachers respond sensitively and supportively. This includes considering the needs of pupils with SEND or other vulnerabilities. The guiding principle is always professional judgement and care.
In Summary
Discovery Schools Trust understands that introducing classroom technology can raise questions for parents. Our use of ONVU Learning cameras is grounded in trust, professionalism, and a commitment to improving teaching and learning.
This is not about surveillance — it is about supporting teachers to grow, reflect, and continually enhance the quality of education for every child in our schools.
Source:
This article is based on Discovery Schools Trust’s publication:
“Further Questions & Answers: ONVU Learning Cameras at Discovery Schools Trust” (Discovery Schools Trust, 2025).
Available via Discovery Schools Trust