Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Shimmering Meadow ("we", "our", or "us"). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website shimmering-meadow.com or use our services.

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our practices with regard to your personal information, please contact us at [email protected].

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Register for our courses or services
• Fill out contact forms or enquiry forms
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Contact us directly via email or phone
• Create an account on our website
• Participate in surveys or feedback forms

This information may include:

• Name and surname
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Postal address
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Educational background
• English language proficiency level
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party payment processors)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device, including:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent
• Referring website
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

• Providing and maintaining our educational services
• Processing course registrations and payments
• Communicating with you about courses, schedules, and updates
• Sending newsletters and marketing communications (with your consent)
• Responding to your enquiries and providing customer support
• Improving our website and services
• Conducting assessments and tracking academic progress
• Complying with legal obligations
• Preventing fraud and ensuring security

4. Legal Basis for Processing (UK GDPR)

Under UK GDPR, we process your personal information based on the following legal bases:

• Contract Performance: To provide educational services you have requested
• Legitimate Interests: To improve our services and communicate relevant information
• Consent: For marketing communications and non-essential cookies
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Payment processing
• Email marketing services
• Website hosting and analytics
• Customer support systems

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests from public authorities.

5.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the business transaction.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and authentication
• Staff training on data protection
• Secure data storage and transmission

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Generally:

• Student records: 7 years after course completion
• Marketing communications: Until you unsubscribe
• Website analytics: 26 months
• Payment records: As required by UK tax law

8. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Right of Access: Request copies of your personal information
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation of processing
• Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for consent-based processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request within one month.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. For detailed information about our use of cookies, please refer to our Cookie Policy.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

12. International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the UK. When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.

13. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

14. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our handling of your personal information, please contact us:

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK's supervisory authority for data protection matters: