Data Security and Nursery Management Software – What Nursery Managers Need to Know
Data security and nursery management software – what nursery managers need to know
Data security and compliance is a vital part of every early years setting’s daily operations. It’s the practice of ensuring the data you hold – whether about staff, children, their families, or your own organisation – is kept safe from unauthorised users, and online criminals.
Having the right data security measures in place also helps to prevent against accidental damage and loss.
In 2021, the Government’s National Cyber Security Centre published advice for the sector on how early years childcare settings could keep their data and devices protected from cyber attacks.
However, the ICO Security Report recently named the education and childcare sector as the second worst offender for workplace data breaches in the UK – accounting for almost 1 in 7 cases since 2019.
While data security’s importance is widely recognised, it’s a (let’s face it, quite dry) topic that’s rarely talked about openly. We’re here to change that.
We want to start vital conversation about this topic, that’s accessible, honest and engaging! (Yes, really!)
What are ISO accreditations and why should they matter to your nursery?
For settings working with a nursery management software partner, trust is put in the provider’s hands to keep data secure. That’s why it’s important to do some due diligence before signing any contract, to make sure the company in question has the highest level of security standards in place.
When it comes to knowing if a provider has a robust and secure approach to quality management, IT security, cybersecurity and privacy protection, it’s worth knowing about the relevant ISO accreditations.
ISO 27001 is “the world’s best-known standard for information security management systems (ISMS) and their requirements”, which means if a provider has this accreditation, you can rest assured that your data is in the safest possible hands.
ISO 90001 is another important accreditation to know about as this covers quality management. “Using ISO 9001 helps ensure that customers get consistent, good-quality products and services, which in turn brings many business benefits.”
Without getting too bogged down in the technicalities, the important message is to choose your supplier carefully, and ask them about their ISO accreditations. It’s important that you have complete peace of mind regarding data management.
Ultimately, when deciding on software, make sure the tech you opt for meets the highest security standards, and that the provider has the relevant credentials and a dedicated team which ensures all your sensitive data stays private and protected.
Connect Childcare’s commitment to data security
Here at Connect Childcare, we’re proud of our robust security posture. This is demonstrated by the fact that we are the only nursery management software provider on the market to hold the ISO 27001:2013 accreditation.
We are also registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office, complying with strict Data Protection legislation.
What data security questions should you ask a nursery management software provider?
Here is a quick checklist of questions to help you see how well your data is being— or will be — looked after:
- Do you hold the ISO 27001:2013 security accreditation?
- Do you hold the ISO 9001 quality management accreditation?
- Where is my data stored?
- Do you put business continuity and disaster recovery plans in place for my setting?
If you found this content interesting, why not sign up for our upcoming jargon-free and engaging webinar?! This will demystify data security and compliance for nursery managers, helping them to feel more confident and upskilled. Register your attendance, here.
Data Security in the Early Years
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Imogen is our Content and Social Media creative
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