Privacy Policy

Next Step 16+  is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect your personal information when you visit our website or contact us.

We process personal information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 and other applicable UK privacy legislation.

Who We Are

Providing personalised Alternative Provision and Post-16 education.

Email: info@nextstep16.co.uk

Website: www.nextstep16plus.co.uk

Telephone: 07863 211814

Providing personalised Alternative Provision and Post-16 education.

Information We Collect

• Name
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Organisation
• Job title
• Postal address (where provided)
• Information submitted through enquiry forms
• Referral information (where appropriate)

Technical Information

When you visit our website we may automatically collect:

• IP address
• Browser type
• Device information
• Pages visited
• Time spent on pages
• Referring website
• Cookies and similar technologies

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Respond to enquiries
• Process referrals
• Provide information about our services
• Improve our website
• Maintain website security
• Meet safeguarding obligations
• Comply with legal requirements
• Communicate with schools, parents, carers and commissioners

Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal data under one or more of the following lawful bases:

• Consent
• Contract
• Legal obligation
• Legitimate interests
• Vital interests (where safeguarding requires action)

How We Store Your Information

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to keep your information secure.

Your information is stored securely using encrypted systems wherever possible and is only accessible by authorised personnel.

How Long We Keep Information

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected or to comply with legal obligations.

Retention periods vary depending on:

• Referral enquiries
• Learner records
• Safeguarding records
• Financial records
• Recruitment records

Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share information with:

• Local Authorities
• Schools and Colleges
• Parents and Carers
• External professionals
• Awarding organisations
• Regulators
• Professional advisers
• IT service providers

Information is only shared where lawful and necessary.

Safeguarding

As an education provider, safeguarding is one of our legal responsibilities.

Where we believe there is a safeguarding concern affecting a child or vulnerable young person, we may share relevant information with appropriate agencies without consent where permitted by law.

Our Website may use cookies to:

• Improve website performance
• Understand visitor behaviour
• Maintain website security
• Improve user experience

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Your Rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion (where applicable)
• Restrict processing
• Object to processing
• Data portability
• Withdraw consent
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to external websites.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites.

Website Security

We use reasonable security measures including:

• SSL encryption
• Secure hosting
• Firewall protection
• Regular software updates
• Access controls

However, no internet transmission can ever be guaranteed as completely secure.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or how we process your data, please contact:

Next Step 16+

📧 Email: info@nextstep16.co.uk

📞 Telephone: 07863 211814

🌐 Website: www.nextstep16plus.co.uk

Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we have handled your personal information, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation or our services.

The latest version will always be published on our website.

Website Footer (Recommended)

Add the following links in your website footer:

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Safeguarding
• Accessibility Statement
• Terms & Conditions
• Complaints Procedure
• Contact Us

This policy is suitable for your Next Step 16+ website and is written in a professional style appropriate for schools, Local Authorities, commissioners, parents, and learners. It aligns with UK GDPR requirements and your existing Next Step 16+ branding.