Privacy Policy

This notice explains what personal information KidsCo receives when you visit the site or contact the team, why it is used and the choices you have.

The short version

• You can read KidsCo without opening a public account or leaving a comment.
• Like most websites, the site and its security services receive technical information such as an IP address, browser details, requested page and time of access.
• If you email KidsCo, we receive the information you choose to send. Please do not include sensitive medical records or unnecessary information about a child.
• Some articles link to or embed material from other websites. Those services have their own privacy and cookie practices.

Information KidsCo may receive

When you browse the site

The web server, hosting tools and security services may record your IP address, approximate location derived from it, browser and device information, requested URL, referring page, date and time, response code, and information needed to detect malicious or automated traffic. These records help deliver pages, diagnose faults, prevent attacks and understand broad site usage.

When you contact KidsCo

If you send an email, we receive your email address and whatever you include in the message or attachments. This may include your name, organisation, the KidsCo page you are asking about and details needed to answer a correction, editorial, privacy or partnership enquiry.

Authorised website users

KidsCo does not currently offer public registration. Authorised editors and administrators have account details and activity records needed to operate and protect the website.

Why this information is used

KidsCo uses the information above to:

• serve, maintain and secure the website;
• investigate errors, abuse and attempted attacks;
• reply to enquiries and assess corrections;
• discuss a requested partnership or other work before entering an agreement;
• keep necessary business, editorial and legal records; and
• comply with a legal obligation or establish, exercise or defend legal claims.

Under UK data-protection law, the usual lawful basis is KidsCo’s legitimate interest in operating a useful and secure publishing site and replying to relevant enquiries. Steps requested before a contract, performance of a contract and legal obligations may apply where appropriate. If consent is the correct basis for a new optional use, you can withdraw that consent.

Cookies and similar technology

The public site may use technology that is necessary to deliver and protect it. WordPress also uses login and preference cookies for authorised users. A display preference, such as dark mode, may be stored in your browser so the site remembers it.

KidsCo does not currently offer public comments or public user accounts. If a page loads an embedded video or other third-party feature, that provider may receive technical information or use its own cookies. Where consent is required for non-essential technology, it should not be activated before you have a fair choice. You can also block or delete cookies through your browser settings, although necessary features may then work differently.

Read the ICO’s explanation of cookies and similar technologies.

Links and embedded content

KidsCo articles may link to the NHS, GOV.UK, product makers, retailers, publishers, video providers and other websites. Following a link takes you to a separate service. An embedded item can behave as though you visited the provider directly. Check that provider’s privacy notice before giving it personal information.

Who may process information

Information may be processed by service providers that help KidsCo host, secure, back up, administer and communicate about the website. Email enquiries are handled using an email provider. These providers act under their own terms and, where they process information for KidsCo, should receive only what they need for that service.

Some providers may process information outside the UK. If personal information is transferred outside the UK, an appropriate transfer safeguard or another lawful exception is required under UK data-protection law.

How long information is kept

KidsCo keeps information only while it is reasonably needed for the purpose described above. Enquiries are kept while they are being handled and for as long as needed to maintain an editorial or business record, resolve a dispute or meet a legal duty. Technical security records and backups follow the relevant hosting, security and backup cycles and may be retained longer when an incident is being investigated. Information that is no longer needed should be deleted or anonymised.

Your data-protection rights

Depending on the circumstances, you may have rights to be informed, access your personal information, correct it, erase it, restrict or object to its use, and receive portable data. Where processing relies on consent, you may withdraw it. Not every right applies in every situation.

Email advertising.kidsco@gmail.com with “Privacy” in the subject line and explain what you are asking for. KidsCo may need enough information to confirm your identity without collecting more than is necessary. The Information Commissioner’s Office explains these rights in more detail.

Complaints

Please contact KidsCo first so the issue can be investigated. You also have the right to complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office. See the ICO data-protection complaints service.

Children’s information

KidsCo content is written for parents and carers. The site does not knowingly invite children to create accounts or send personal information. A parent or carer who believes a child has sent personal information should contact KidsCo so it can be assessed and, where appropriate, removed.

Security and changes to this notice

Reasonable administrative and technical measures are used to protect the site and limit access to personal information. No internet service can promise absolute security. This notice will be updated when the site’s actual data use changes; the review date at the top will show the latest material check.

For more about how content is handled, read the KidsCo Editorial Standards or contact KidsCo.