Our policies
Data Protection and Privacy Policy
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Purpose:
LifeLit is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect personal data.
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Scope:
This policy applies to all personal data processed by LifeLit, including data related to staff, volunteers, students, parents, and other individuals.
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Legal Framework:
This policy complies with:
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The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
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The Data Protection Act 2018
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The Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (PECR)​
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Key Principles:​
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Lawfulness, Fairness, and Transparency: We will process personal data lawfully, fairly, and transparently. Individuals will be informed about how their data is used and for what purposes.
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Data Minimization: We will only collect and process data that is necessary for the purposes for which it was collected.
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Accuracy: We will take reasonable steps to ensure that personal data is accurate and kept up to date.
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Storage Limitation: Personal data will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, in accordance with our data retention schedule.
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Security: We will implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data from unauthorised access, alteration, or disclosure.
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Procedures:
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Data Collection: Personal data will be collected directly from individuals whenever possible. Where data is obtained from third parties, individuals will be informed.
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Data Processing: Data will be processed only for specified, legitimate purposes, such as delivering educational services, managing employment relationships, or complying with legal obligations.
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Data Sharing: Personal data will only be shared with third parties when necessary for the provision of services, with appropriate safeguards in place. We will not sell personal data to third parties.
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Data Subject Rights: Individuals have the right to access, correct, or delete their personal data, as well as to restrict or object to processing. Requests will be handled promptly and in accordance with legal requirements.
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Data Breaches: In the event of a data breach, we will take immediate action to mitigate the impact, inform affected individuals, and report the breach to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if required.
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Monitoring and Review:
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure ongoing compliance with data protection laws and best practices. Changes in legislation or significant data breaches may prompt an earlier review.​
Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
Purpose:
LifeLit is dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people engaged in our services. We recognise our duty to protect children from harm and ensure their well-being while they are in our care.
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Scope:
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and external partners who work with LifeLit, including those involved in off-site activities or services delivered online.
Legal Framework:
This policy is informed by:
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The Children Act 1989 and 2004
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The Children and Families Act 2014
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The Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) policies and procedures
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The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
Key Principles:
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Best Interests of the Child: All actions concerning children must prioritise their best interests.
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Zero Tolerance for Abuse: All forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect, will be identified, prevented, and addressed.
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Preventive Action: We will implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of abuse, including safe recruitment practices, regular training, and robust reporting procedures.
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Procedures:
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Reporting Concerns: Any concern about a child's welfare must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or deputy DSL. The DSL is responsible for making referrals to external agencies when necessary.
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Response to Disclosures: If a child discloses abuse, staff must listen carefully, reassure the child, and report the disclosure to the DSL without delay. Staff must not investigate or question the child.
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Record Keeping: Accurate and confidential records of concerns, disclosures, and referrals will be maintained.
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Partnerships: We will work in partnership with parents, guardians, and relevant external agencies to protect children and promote their well-being.
Safe Recruitment:
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We will conduct thorough background checks, including enhanced DBS checks, for all staff and volunteers who work with children.
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Recruitment processes will include interviews, reference checks, and verifying qualifications where relevant.
Training:
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All staff and volunteers must complete mandatory safeguarding training upon induction, with annual refresher courses. Specialised training will be provided for DSLs and other key roles.
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Review:
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to legislative changes or following an incident that requires policy revision.
Equality and Diversity Policy
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Purpose:
LifeLit is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We aim to create an environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or characteristics.
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Scope:
This policy applies to all aspects of LifeLit's operations, including employment practices, service delivery, and interactions with students, parents, and external partners.
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Legal Framework:
This policy complies with:
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The Equality Act 2010
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Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998
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The Human Rights Act 1998
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The Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998
Key Principles:
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Non-Discrimination: LifeLit will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
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Inclusive Environment: We will foster a culture of inclusion where everyone feels valued and respected. We will actively promote diversity within our workforce and in the services we provide.
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Equal Opportunities: We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, training, and development for all staff, and in the educational opportunities offered to students.
Procedures:
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Recruitment and Selection: Our recruitment and selection processes will be fair, transparent, and based solely on merit. We will use inclusive practices to attract a diverse range of candidates.
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Training: All staff will receive training on equality, diversity, and inclusion as part of their induction and through ongoing professional development.
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Accessibility: We will ensure that our services, premises, and communications are accessible to all, making reasonable adjustments where necessary to accommodate individuals' needs.
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Addressing Discrimination: Any complaints of discrimination or harassment will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and addressed in accordance with our disciplinary procedures.
Monitoring and Review:
We will regularly monitor our practices to ensure compliance with this policy. Feedback from staff, students, and other stakeholders will be sought to identify areas for improvement. This policy will be reviewed annually.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Policy
Purpose:
LifeLit is committed to providing high-quality educational support to students with special educational needs (SEN). We recognize the importance of early identification, personalised support, and collaboration with families and external agencies.
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Scope:
This policy applies to all educational services provided by LifeLit, including support offered within schools and through online platforms.
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Legal Framework:
This policy complies with:
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The Children and Families Act 2014
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The Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2005
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The SEND Code of Practice 0 to 25 years
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The Equality Act 2010
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Key Principles:
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Inclusive Education: LifeLit is committed to providing an inclusive educational environment where students with SEN can thrive.
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Early Identification: We prioritise the early identification of SEN to ensure timely and effective support for students.
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Collaboration: We work closely with students, parents, schools, and external agencies to develop and implement individualised support plans.
Procedures:
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Identification: We will use a range of assessment tools and observations to identify students with SEN. Staff will be trained to recognize signs of SEN and to refer students for further assessment when needed.
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Support Planning: Individual Education Plans (IEPs) will be developed for each student with SEN, outlining specific goals, support strategies, and review timelines. Plans will be created in collaboration with parents, students, and relevant professionals.
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Provision: Support will be tailored to the individual needs of each student and may include classroom adjustments, specialised teaching methods, assistive technology, or additional support from trained staff.
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Review: IEPs will be reviewed regularly, at least once per term, to assess progress and adjust support as needed. Reviews will involve input from the student, parents, teachers, and any involved external professionals.
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Transition Support: We will provide additional support for students with SEN during key transition periods, such as moving between schools or transitioning to further education or employment.
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Monitoring and Review:
This policy will be reviewed biennially or sooner if required by legislative changes or the specific needs of the students.
Cookies Policy
Purpose:
This Cookies Policy explains how LifeLit uses cookies on our website, what data is collected, and how visitors can manage their cookie preferences.
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Scope:
This policy applies to all visitors to the LifeLit website and covers all cookies used on the site.
What Are Cookies?
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Definition: Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device by websites you visit. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to the site owners.
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Types: We use session cookies (which expire when you close your browser) and persistent cookies (which remain on your device until deleted).
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Why We Use Cookies:
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Essential Cookies: These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable basic features such as page navigation and access to secure areas.
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Performance Cookies: These cookies collect information about how visitors use our website, such as which pages are most popular. This data helps us improve the website’s performance and user experience.
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Functionality Cookies: These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make, such as language preferences, and provide enhanced, more personalised features.
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Targeting Cookies: These cookies may be set by our advertising partners to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites.
Managing Cookies:
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Cookie Consent: When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie banner allowing you to accept or decline cookies. You can change your preferences at any time by visiting the cookie settings link in the footer of our website.
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Browser Settings: You can also manage cookies through your browser settings, where you can block or delete cookies from our website.
Data Collected by Cookies:
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Usage Data: Performance cookies collect anonymized data about website usage, including pages visited and time spent on the site.
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Personal Data: Some cookies may collect personal data, such as IP addresses, to enhance user experience and provide targeted content.
Third-Party Cookies:
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We may use third-party services that set cookies on our website. These third-party cookies are used to track and analyse website usage and to serve relevant advertisements.
Updates to This Policy:
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This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in technology or regulatory requirements. The updated policy will be posted on our website with the date of the latest revision.
Contact Information:
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If you have any questions about our use of cookies or how we handle personal data, please contact us at info@lifelit.co.uk.
Accessibility
Purpose:
LifeLit is committed to ensuring that our website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This statement outlines the steps we have taken to improve accessibility and our ongoing efforts to enhance the user experience.
Scope:
This statement applies to all pages and content on the LifeLit website.
Accessibility Standards:
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Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1: Our goal is to meet or exceed the AA level of the WCAG 2.1 standards, ensuring that our website is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users.
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Design: Our website is designed with accessibility in mind, using clear navigation, appropriate colour contrast, and readable fonts.
Features:
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Keyboard Navigation: Our website can be fully navigated using a keyboard, without the need for a mouse.
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Alternative Text: Images on our website include alternative text descriptions to ensure that users with screen readers can access the information conveyed by images.
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Scalable Text: Users can adjust the size of text on our website using their browser settings, making content more readable.
Ongoing Efforts:
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Regular Audits: We regularly audit our website for accessibility issues and take corrective action where needed.
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User Feedback: We welcome feedback from users on how we can improve accessibility. Please contact us with any suggestions or issues.
Exceptions:
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While we strive to make our entire website accessible, there may be some content that is not fully compliant with the WCAG 2.1 guidelines. We are committed to addressing these issues as they are identified.
Contact Information:
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For assistance with accessing content on our website or to report an accessibility issue, please contact us at info@lifelit.co.uk.