Privacy Policy

Who we are

SEN Village is operated by SEN Digital Solutions Limited. We provide a community platform for parents, guardians, and carers. For data protection matters, contact us at support@sen-village.co.uk or by post at [Insert Registered Business Address].

Information we collect

We may collect account details (such as name, email and login data), profile information you provide, messages you send in-app, and technical data like device type, app events, and error logs. If you choose to share it, we also collect coarse location data (such as your general town or region, rather than precise GPS coordinates) to improve community matching.

Biometric authentication

If you choose to enable biometric login (such as fingerprint or facial recognition), your biometric data is never sent to our servers. It is stored and verified securely by your device's operating system. Our app only receives a cryptographic key confirming your identity.

Special category data

Some information related to SEN needs may be sensitive personal data. We process this information only where you actively choose to provide it and where you have given explicit consent. We use this solely for providing core app features and safeguarding. You can withdraw this consent at any time by deleting the information from your profile.

Community visibility

As SEN Village is a community platform, information you choose to post in public forums, groups, or comments will be visible to other users. We recommend being mindful of sharing highly identifiable details in public spaces.

How we use your information

We use your data to create and manage your account, deliver app features, maintain safety, respond to support requests, and improve reliability and performance.

Community matching

To help you find relevant support and connections, SEN Village uses a matching feature. This system connects you with others based entirely on information you control and provide, such as your coarse location, SEN type, and SEN aids. We do not use hidden algorithms for behavioural profiling; matches are strictly based on the preferences you set in your profile.

Legal basis for processing

We process data under UK GDPR using one or more legal bases: contract (to deliver services), explicit consent (for sensitive data), legitimate interests (to improve and secure the service), and legal obligations (including safeguarding and regulatory duties).

We rely on legitimate interests to understand app performance, improve reliability, maintain platform safety, and enhance community features, while balancing these interests against your privacy rights and freedoms.

Sharing your information

We do not sell your personal data. We may share limited data with trusted service providers (such as analytics, email communications, and security tools), and where strictly required by law, safeguarding, or to prevent serious harm.

Where your data is stored (international transfers)

Your core account and community data is securely stored and hosted on Microsoft Azure servers located entirely within the United Kingdom.

To monitor app performance and understand how our community uses SEN Village, we use trusted third-party tools like Google Firebase and Firebase Analytics. Some limited technical and usage data (such as device identifiers and app interaction logs) may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the UK, including the United States.

Whenever we transfer your data internationally, we ensure it is protected by strict legal safeguards approved under UK GDPR, such as the UK Addendum to the Standard Contractual Clauses or an approved Adequacy Decision.

App tracking and analytics

While our app does not use traditional web cookies, we use software development kits (SDKs) provided by Google, including Firebase Analytics. These tools collect technical data to help us monitor app performance, understand how the community interacts with the app, and deliver push notifications. They do not track you across other third-party apps or websites for targeted advertising.

Data retention and account deletion

We keep personal data only as long as needed for service delivery, legal obligations, dispute resolution, and safeguarding. When data is no longer needed, we delete or anonymise it.

You have the right to request deletion of your account and associated data at any time. In the app, go to Settings > Account Management > Delete profile, or email support@sen-village.co.uk.

You may also exercise privacy rights — including access, correction, restriction, objection, or data portability — by contacting support@sen-village.co.uk.

Safeguarding and community safety

We may review reports, messages, or shared content where reasonably necessary to investigate abuse, protect users, enforce our community standards, or comply with legal and safeguarding obligations.

Security

We use technical and organisational safeguards designed to protect your data. While no system is completely risk-free, we continuously monitor and improve security controls.

Your rights

You have the right to access, correct, delete, restrict, object, or port your data, and to withdraw consent where processing is based on consent. We will respond to legitimate data requests within one calendar month. You may also complain to the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Children's information

SEN Village is intended for adults (18+) who are parents, guardians, or carers. You should only share child-related information that you have the legal authority to share. We do not knowingly collect personal data of children under 18.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be clearly communicated within the app or by other appropriate means. Where required by law, we will seek your consent before material changes take effect.