Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Parker Books ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information when you use our website and services.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

• Account Information: Name, email address, and password when you create an account (required for all purchases)
• Order Information: Shipping address, billing address, and payment details for book purchases, writing class packages, and memberships
• Writing Class Packages: Package selection (One-to-One, Small Group, or School Class), parent/guardian contact details, student names and ages, preferred scheduling
• School Membership: School name, admin email, subscription plan (Basic, Pro, or Premium), billing information, number of students
• Student Accounts: For schools with memberships, student names and secure login credentials created by school administrators to access Reading Zone, Play Zone, and Creative Writing features based on plan tier
• Progress Tracking: Lesson completion, quiz scores, reading activity, game performance, and story submissions for educational feedback and dashboard analytics
• Communication: Information you provide when contacting us, requesting author sessions, or subscribing to our newsletter
• Usage Data: Information about how you use our website and features, collected through cookies and analytics
• Session Recordings: With prior consent, Zoom recordings of online classes and author workshops for quality assurance

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Authenticate user accounts and enforce login requirements for purchases
• Process and fulfil book orders, writing class package purchases, and school membership subscriptions
• Manage school memberships and control access to tier-specific features (Basic, Pro, Premium)
• Deliver online writing classes (One-to-One, Small Group, School Class) and coordinate in-person school visits
• Enable access to Reading Zone (interactive lessons and quizzes)
• Enable access to Play Zone (educational games)
• Enable access to Story Builder tool (Pro and Premium school subscriptions only)
• Provide Creative Writing program with author support and coaching
• Track student progress, lesson completion, quiz scores, and activity for educational feedback
• Provide dashboard analytics for schools and parents to monitor learning
• Facilitate booking and scheduling of live workshops and author sessions
• Process and publish student books (individual or collaborative class books)
• Feature published student work on Young Authors page (with permission)
• Send order confirmations, class schedules, and important service updates
• Respond to your enquiries and provide customer support
• Send newsletters and promotional materials (with your consent)
• Improve our website, features, and educational content
• Comply with legal obligations and data protection requirements

4. Children's Privacy & Parental Responsibility

We take children's privacy very seriously and comply with all applicable child protection regulations:

• Parental Consent: Parents/guardians must create accounts on behalf of children under 13 and are responsible for managing their child's access and participation
• Writing Class Packages: We collect minimal information (child's first name and age) via parent/guardian contact forms. Parents are responsible for supervising online sessions.
• School Memberships: Student accounts are created and managed by verified school administrators with student names and secure login credentials. Schools are responsible for obtaining necessary parental consents.
• Activity Tracking: Student activity data (lesson completion in Reading Zone, quiz scores, Play Zone game performance, story submissions, creative writing progress) is collected to provide educational feedback and track learning outcomes
• Data Access: Parents and school administrators can access, review, and request modification or deletion of student data at any time
• Direct Collection: We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13 without verified parental or school administrator consent
• Security: All student data is encrypted, stored securely, and used exclusively for educational purposes and progress tracking
• Published Work: Student names may appear on published books and the Young Authors page. Parents/schools can request removal at any time.

5. Data Storage and Security

Your personal data is stored securely using industry-standard encryption and security measures. We retain your information only for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal requirements.

6. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your data only with:

• Payment Processors: Secure third-party services to process credit card, debit card, and PayPal payments for purchases and subscriptions
• Shipping Partners: Delivery services to fulfil book orders (name and shipping address only)
• Zoom (Video Platform): For conducting online writing classes and live workshops. Zoom's privacy policy applies to video sessions.
• Service Providers: Trusted third parties who assist in website hosting, email communications, and platform functionality (under strict confidentiality agreements)
• School Administrators: Student progress data is shared with school administrators who created the accounts, enabling them to monitor learning and manage their school membership
• Legal Requirements: If required by law, court order, or to protect our rights, safety, or property

All third-party partners are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.

7. Third-Party Tools: Zoom Sessions

We use Zoom to deliver online writing classes and author-led workshops:

• Platform: All One-to-One, Small Group, and School Class Package online sessions are conducted via Zoom video conferencing
• Recording: Sessions may be recorded for quality assurance, training purposes, and to provide review materials. You will always be informed before recording begins and explicit consent will be obtained.
• Storage: Recordings are stored securely on our systems and are not shared with unauthorized third parties
• Access: Recorded sessions may be shared with enrolled students/parents for review purposes only
• Premium Workshops: Schools with Premium memberships booking live workshops will receive detailed recording policies before each session
• Zoom Privacy: Zoom's own privacy policy applies to video sessions. We recommend reviewing Zoom's privacy terms.
• Retention: Session recordings are retained only as long as educationally necessary and can be deleted upon request

8. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyse website traffic. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some website functionality.

9. Your Rights Under UK Data Protection Law

You have comprehensive rights over your personal data:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you, your child, or your students
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to educational records retention and legal requirements)
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your data for marketing or other purposes
• Right to Data Portability: Request your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time (may affect service provision)
• Right to Complain: Lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe your data rights have been violated

How to Exercise Your Rights:

• Individual users: Email info@parkerbooks.co.uk with your request
• Parents: Request access, modification, or deletion of your child's data by contacting us
• School administrators: Manage student data through your school dashboard or contact us for assistance
• We will respond to all requests within 30 days as required by UK GDPR

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us:

• Email: info@parkerbooks.co.uk