Big brother style webcams have been introduced into a nursery school in Ealing, so parents can check up on their kids over the internet.

Parents are already using the NuseryCam, which was installed five weeks ago at the iPlay & Learn Early Learning Centre in Northfield Avenue.

The web-based hardware sends encrypted images to mums and dads, who, armed with an individual password, can decode the live video picture - allowing them to observe their child from anywhere with an internet connection.

Viewing time is set to a maximum of 30 minutes a day, and the cameras - which are stationary and cannot pan, tilt, or zoom - show only wide-angle views of play areas.

Nursery owner Carmelita Ragg, believes that parents are pleased with the move.

She said: "I decided to install the cameras so that as a nursery care provider, I could offer parents reassurance that their kids were being cared for properly. It's great for the parents, especially working mums and dads, who can keep an eye on their kids during the day."

The manufacturers of the equipment, who claim the software "is safer than online banking," use various security features to ease fears of misuse and outside hackers including electronic watchdogs to detect suspicious activity, stringent firewalls, and a 24-hour security team dedicated to monitor online behaviour. Abused accounts are immediately suspended, and investigated by security personnel.

The cameras also provide peace of mind, according to a 29 year-old mother whose child attends the iPlay Centre.

She said: "Taking my child to nursery was the first time I've ever left her alone, so it was very reassuring - especially for the first two weeks."

Plans to cater for parents who are constantly on the move, or who are without internet access at work, are already in the pipeline. NurseryCam will be launching new mobile phone software in January which will allow parents to check on their kids from their colour screens.

Dr. Melissa Kao from NurseryCam said: "It's not only for parents to check on their kids - it also allows them to view their child's behaviour, observe social interaction with other children and witness important moments in the child's development, like their first steps, which they could miss whilst at work."