Safety and Privacy
Child safety and data privacy are our highest priorities. Reading Bridge is a child-safe reading tool built with safeguarding at its core.
How we handle data
What we collect
- Child's first name (no surnames required)
- Reading session transcriptions (text only)
- Comprehension activity responses
- Progress metrics (fluency scores, time spent reading)
- Tutor/parent account details (name, email)
What we don't collect
- Voice recordings
- Children's surnames or personal identifiers
- Location data
- Browsing history or activity outside Reading Bridge
- Any data not essential to reading support
GDPR Compliance
Reading Bridge is fully compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and UK data protection law.
Legal basis for processing
We process data based on legitimate interests (providing educational services) and, where applicable, contractual necessity for schools with data processing agreements.
Your rights
Parents and schools have the right to access, rectify, delete, or export data at any time. Contact us at privacy@readingbridge.co.uk to exercise these rights.
Data retention
Session data is retained while an account is active and for up to 30 days after account closure (to allow recovery if closed in error). After this, all data is permanently deleted.
Data security
All data is encrypted in transit (TLS) and at rest. Access is restricted to authorized personnel only, and we conduct regular security audits.
Safeguarding
Reading Bridge is designed to be a safe space for children. We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously.
Age-appropriate AI interactions
AI characters provide supportive, encouraging feedback. All responses are filtered to ensure age-appropriate language and content.
No direct messaging
Children cannot send messages to other users or receive messages from anyone outside their assigned tutor/parent accounts.
Content moderation
All reading texts are reviewed to ensure they are appropriate for KS2 pupils. Comprehension questions are aligned to curriculum standards.
Reporting mechanisms
Schools and parents can report concerns to safeguarding@readingbridge.co.uk. We respond within 24 hours.
No third-party advertising
Reading Bridge is ad-free and does not share children's data with advertisers or third parties.
For schools and local authorities
We understand that schools require rigorous safeguarding and data protection standards. Reading Bridge is designed to meet these requirements.
Data Processing Agreements
We provide comprehensive data processing agreements (DPAs) for all school customers, outlining our responsibilities as a data processor.
Impact Assessments
We can provide documentation to support your Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) process.
Security Audits
Reading Bridge undergoes regular independent security audits. We can share audit summaries with schools on request.
Staff Training
All Reading Bridge team members with access to data undergo safeguarding and data protection training.
Questions about safety and privacy?
If you have questions or concerns about how Reading Bridge handles data or safeguarding, please contact us:
- Privacy inquiries: privacy@readingbridge.co.uk
- Safeguarding concerns: safeguarding@readingbridge.co.uk
- General support: support@readingbridge.co.uk