Sunshine Child-Care Nursery is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all children, parents, guardians, and staff. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
1. Information We Collect
We collect and process the following types of personal information:
1.1 Child Information
- Full name and date of birth
- Medical information, allergies, and dietary requirements
- Emergency contact details
- Learning and development records
- Photographs and videos (with consent)
1.2 Parent/Guardian Information
- Full name, address, and contact details
- Email address and phone numbers
- Payment and billing information
- Relationship to the child
2. How We Use Your Information
We use personal information for the following purposes:
- To provide safe and appropriate childcare services
- To maintain accurate records of children's development and progress
- To communicate with parents/guardians about their child's care and activities
- To process payments and manage enrollment
- To comply with legal obligations (e.g., Ofsted requirements, safeguarding)
- To ensure the health and safety of all children and staff
- To respond to emergencies and contact emergency services if needed
3. Legal Basis for Processing
We process personal information based on:
- Consent: Where you have provided explicit consent (e.g., for photographs)
- Contract: To fulfill our contractual obligations for childcare services
- Legal Obligation: To comply with legal requirements (e.g., safeguarding, Ofsted)
- Vital Interests: To protect the health and safety of children
4. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell or rent personal information. We may share information with:
- Ofsted: For inspection and regulatory purposes
- Local Authorities: For funding, safeguarding, and statutory requirements
- Emergency Services: In case of medical emergencies or safeguarding concerns
- Healthcare Professionals: With consent, for medical care coordination
- Service Providers: Secure third-party services (e.g., payment processors, IT support)
5. Data Security
We implement robust security measures to protect personal information:
- Secure storage of physical and digital records
- Encrypted data transmission and storage
- Access controls and staff training on data protection
- Regular security audits and updates
6. Data Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary:
- Child records: Retained until the child reaches 25 years of age (statutory requirement)
- Financial records: 7 years (legal requirement)
- Safeguarding records: As required by law
7. Your Rights
Under GDPR, you have the right to:
- Access: Request copies of personal information we hold
- Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Erasure: Request deletion of information (subject to legal obligations)
- Restrict Processing: Request limitation of how we use your information
- Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another provider
- Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time (where applicable)
8. Photographs and Media
We may take photographs and videos of children for:
- Learning and development records
- Display within the nursery (with consent)
- Marketing materials (only with explicit written consent)
You can withdraw consent for photographs at any time by contacting us.
9. Cookies and Website Data
Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience and analyze website traffic. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
10. Contact Us
For questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights, please contact:
Data Protection Officer
Sunshine Child-Care Nursery
Thamesview Primary School, Bloors Ln, Rainham, Gillingham, ME8 7DS
Email: dsl@sunshinechildcareservices.co.uk
Phone: 020 000 005
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website. We will notify you of significant changes.
Last Updated: January 2025