Privacy Policy

How we protect and handle your data

Our Commitment to Privacy

Whitespace is committed to protecting the privacy and safety of students, teachers, and schools. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information in compliance with UK GDPR and educational data protection standards.

Information We Collect

Student Information

  • First name only (no surnames collected)
  • Year group and classroom assignment
  • Learning interactions and progress
  • Safety monitoring data for safeguarding

Teacher Information

  • Name and professional email address
  • School affiliation
  • Classroom management data
  • Teaching materials and resources

School Administrator Information

  • Organisation details and settings
  • User management data
  • Platform configuration

How We Use Information

We use collected information exclusively for:

  • Providing educational AI services
  • Ensuring student safety and safeguarding
  • Supporting teachers in classroom management
  • Improving our educational tools
  • Complying with legal obligations

We NEVER: Sell student data, use data for advertising, train AI models on student conversations, or share data with third parties for non-educational purposes.

Data Protection Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Correct inaccurate data
  • Request deletion of data
  • Object to data processing
  • Data portability
  • Restrict processing
  • Withdraw consent where applicable

To exercise these rights, contact your school's data protection officer or email us at darren@coxon.ai

Student Safety & Safeguarding

We prioritise student safety through:

  • Automated monitoring for inappropriate content
  • Detection of potential safeguarding concerns
  • Immediate alerts to teachers and safeguarding leads
  • Compliance with UK safeguarding regulations
  • Regular safety audits and reviews

All safety monitoring is conducted in accordance with:

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children
  • UK Safeguarding legislation

Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures:

  • Encryption at rest and in transit (AES-256)
  • Regular security audits and penetration testing
  • Secure data centres located in the UK
  • Strict access controls and authentication
  • Incident response procedures
  • Staff training on data protection

Student data is stored securely and never leaves the UK without appropriate safeguards.

Data Retention

  • Student data: Duration of school year plus 1 year
  • Safety logs: 7 years per safeguarding requirements
  • Teacher accounts: While employed at subscribing school
  • Deleted data: Permanently removed within 30 days

All data is securely destroyed upon request or contract termination.

International Transfers

Data is primarily stored and processed in the UK. Any international transfers comply with UK GDPR requirements including:

  • Adequacy decisions
  • Appropriate safeguards
  • Standard contractual clauses

Children's Privacy

  • We do not collect data directly from children under 13
  • Student accounts are created by schools
  • No marketing to children
  • Parental rights respected per school policies

Data Breach Procedures

In the event of a data breach:

  1. Immediate containment and assessment
  2. Notification to ICO within 72 hours if required
  3. Notification to affected schools
  4. Full investigation and remediation
  5. Lessons learned implementation

Third Party Services

We use limited third-party services:

  • Cloud infrastructure: UK-based providers only
  • Analytics: Privacy-preserving, aggregated data only
  • Support tools: Under strict data protection agreements

No student data is shared with third parties for commercial purposes.

Cookies and Tracking

We use essential cookies only for:

  • Authentication and security
  • Session management
  • Preference settings

No tracking or advertising cookies are used.

Contact Information

Data Protection Officer Kompass Education Limited Email: darren@coxon.ai Address: 4th Floor, Silverstream House, 45 Fitzroy Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 6EB

Information Commissioner's Office Wycliffe House, Water Lane Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF Website: ico.org.uk Phone: 0303 123 1113

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in law or practices. Schools will be notified of material changes at least 30 days in advance. Last updated: 27 September 2025