Description
HR Data Retention Periods – Downloadable Guidance (April 2026 Edition)
Nursery HR record retention guide:
Give your nursery clarity and confidence with this comprehensive Nursery HR record retention guide guide, updated for April 2026. Designed for busy Nursery Managers, Owners and Early Years HR leads, this downloadable resource sets out the legally required and recommended retention periods for the full range of HR records you handle every day.
This document brings together statutory requirements, advisory best practice timelines into one clear, easy‑to‑use reference. It helps your nursery meet its data protection obligations, reduce risk, and ensure your record‑keeping is compliant, proportionate and defensible.
What’s included
- Legally required retention periods for key HR records such as:
- Absence and working time
- Accident and health & safety records
- Payroll, tax and National Minimum Wage documentation
- Statutory leave and pay records
- Whistleblowing and subject access requests
- Annual leave records (including the new rules effective from 6 April 2026)
- Recommended retention periods where no statutory timeline exists, covering:
- Recruitment and personnel files
- Criminal record checks
- Flexible working requests
- Parental leave
- Pension and insurance documentation
- Risk assessments, CCTV, and professional records
Why nurseries download this guide
- Ensures your nursery retains HR data only for as long as necessary, supporting GDPR compliance.
- Reduces legal and operational risk by aligning your practices with statutory requirements and recognised advisory bodies such as the ICO, CIPD, and the Home Office.
- Provides a clear, structured reference for Nursery Managers, HR leads and administrators.
- Saves time by consolidating complex retention rules into one accessible document.
Who it’s for
This Nursery HR record retention guide is ideal for nurseries, preschools, Early Years settings, and small childcare providers looking to strengthen HR governance and data protection practices.
Contact us for more information and support with your HR. We work with nurseries, childminders and preschools on a pay-as-you-go basis.
