A HEADTEACHER has defended the controversial decision to install closed-circuit television cameras at his school.

Nigel McQuoid, principal of the £22m Kings Academy at Coulby Newham, has written to the parents of 1,200 pupils about the cameras, which cover classrooms, the outside of the building and the school grounds.

Mr McQuoid said the purpose of the cameras was to prevent and detect criminal damage, bullying, theft and "anything which was likely to create a health and safety risk".

He said the cameras were an added measure to provide children with the safest, happiest and most rewarding education possible.

The school has had to complete a number of assessments before opening to explain why the cameras were necessary.

In the letter, Mr McQuoid assured parents that there would be no threat to civil liberties.

He said: "The cameras have no sound recording facility and will not be used to spy on children or staff, but will store film on disc in case any accusation of wrongdoing is made and evidence is required.

"Furthermore, footage from classrooms will only be viewed if I am convinced that there is a valid reason for doing so and that the truth can only be discovered by viewing a recording."