Outstanding Provider

Ofsted Outstanding
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1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Caldecott Fostering (“Caldecott”, “we”, “us”, “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on our website.

This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Notice, which explains how we collect and use personal data.

We are committed to processing information fairly, lawfully and in a transparent manner, in accordance with UK data protection law and best practice.

2. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you access a website. They allow the website to recognise your device and remember information about your visit, including your preferences or actions.

Cookies cannot access other information on your device and do not operate as programmes.

3. Why we use cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Enable core website functionality
  • Monitor and improve website performance
  • Understand how visitors engage with our content
  • Support communications and fundraising activities
  • Ensure security and reliability of our services

Information collected may include:

  • Pages visited and navigation patterns
  • Device type, browser and operating system
  • Approximate location derived from IP address
  • Interaction with forms or content

This information helps us ensure our website is effective and continues to meet user needs.

4. Legal basis and consent

In order to meet our legal obligations we aim to:

  • Inform users about cookies
  • Explain their purpose
  • Obtain consent before using non-essential cookies

Where consent is sought we will also ensure that it is:

  • Freely given
  • Specific
  • Informed
  • Unambiguous

For clarity, strictly necessary cookies do not require consent.

5. Categories of cookies

We use the following categories of cookies:

5.1 Strictly necessary cookies

These cookies are essential for the operation of the website (e.g. security, accessibility, form submission). These do not require consent and cannot be disabled via the consent tool.

5.2 Performance and analytics cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use the website so we can improve performance and usability. These cookies collect aggregated or anonymised data and require user consent before being set.

5.3 Functionality cookies

These cookies allow the website to remember user preferences and provide enhanced functionality. These cookies require consent where not strictly necessary.

5.4 Targeting and marketing cookies

These cookies track browsing behaviour and may be used to deliver relevant content or measure campaign effectiveness. These cookies may be set by third-party providers and require explicit consent.

6. Cookie inventory

The table below sets out the cookies currently used on our website. This information is based on our most recent cookie audit and will be updated periodically.

Essential

Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.

NameDescriptionDuration
wpconsent_preferencesThis cookie is used to store the user's cookie consent preferences.30 days

Google Tag Manager

Google Tag Manager simplifies the management of marketing tags on your website without code changes.

NameDescriptionDuration
cookiePreferencesRegisters cookie preferences of a user2 years
tdRegisters statistical data on users' behaviour on the website. Used for internal analytics by the website operator.session

Statistics

Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website.

Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.

Learn more
NameDescriptionDuration
_gac_Contains information related to marketing campaigns of the user. These are shared with Google AdWords / Google Ads when the Google Ads and Google Analytics accounts are linked together.90 days
__utmaID used to identify users and sessions2 years after last activity
__utmtUsed to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests10 minutes
__utmbUsed to distinguish new sessions and visits. This cookie is set when the GA.js javascript library is loaded and there is no existing __utmb cookie. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to the Google Analytics server.30 minutes after last activity
__utmcUsed only with old Urchin versions of Google Analytics and not with GA.js. Was used to distinguish between new sessions and visits at the end of a session.End of session (browser)
__utmzContains information about the traffic source or campaign that directed user to the website. The cookie is set when the GA.js javascript is loaded and updated when data is sent to the Google Anaytics server6 months after last activity
__utmvContains custom information set by the web developer via the _setCustomVar method in Google Analytics. This cookie is updated every time new data is sent to the Google Analytics server.2 years after last activity
__utmxUsed to determine whether a user is included in an A / B or Multivariate test.18 months
_gaID used to identify users2 years
_galiUsed by Google Analytics to determine which links on a page are being clicked30 seconds
_ga_ID used to identify users2 years
_gidID used to identify users for 24 hours after last activity24 hours
_gatUsed to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests when using Google Tag Manager1 minute

Marketing

Marketing cookies are used to follow visitors to websites. The intention is to show ads that are relevant and engaging to the individual user.

Facebook Pixel

Facebook Pixel is a web analytics service that tracks and reports website traffic.

Learn more
NameDescriptionDuration
_fbcUsed to track the last session visit.12 months
_fbpUsed to track the user across multiple sessions.3 months
frUsed to track the user across multiple sessions.3 months

Additional detail on specific third-party providers may be found in their respective privacy policies.

7. Third-party cookies

Some cookies are set by third-party services and integrated into our website (for example, analytics or embedded content providers).

These providers may process data in accordance with their own privacy policies. We encourage users to review those policies.

8. Managing your cookie preferences

When you first visit our website, you will be presented with a cookie banner allowing you to:

  • Accept all cookies
  • Reject non-essential cookies
  • Manage preferences by category

You may also:

  • Update your preferences at any time via the cookie settings icon in the bottom left corner of our website
  • Adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies

Please note that restricting cookies may affect website functionality.

9. Changes to this policy

This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as required to reflect changes in our use of cookies or legal requirements.

10. Contact

If you have any questions about this policy or our use of cookies, please contact:

Caldecott Fostering, Caldecott House, Ashford, Kent, TN25 6SP

Email: admin@caldecottfostering.co.uk