1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better browsing experience by remembering your preferences and enabling certain website functionalities.

Your Control

You have full control over non-essential cookies. You can manage your preferences using our cookie consent banner or through your browser settings. Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they are necessary for basic website functionality.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies (Always Active)

These cookies are strictly necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off.

Essential Cookie Details:

Session Management:

• Cookie Name: PHPSESSID, __session
• Purpose: Maintain user session and security
• Duration: Session only
• Provider: My Private Tutor Online

Security Cookies:

• Cookie Name: __csrf_token, __security
• Purpose: Prevent cross-site request forgery
• Duration: Session only
• Provider: My Private Tutor Online

Cookie Consent:

• Cookie Name: cookie_consent
• Purpose: Remember your cookie preferences
• Duration: 12 months
• Provider: My Private Tutor Online

2.2 Functional Cookies (Optional)

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation features.

Functional Cookie Details:

Preference Storage:

• Cookie Name: user_preferences
• Purpose: Remember language, theme, and display preferences
• Duration: 12 months
• Provider: My Private Tutor Online

Form Data:

• Cookie Name: form_data
• Purpose: Save partially completed forms
• Duration: 24 hours
• Provider: My Private Tutor Online

Chat Support:

• Cookie Name: intercom-*
• Purpose: Enable live chat functionality
• Duration: 9 months
• Provider: Intercom

2.3 Analytics Cookies (Optional)

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.

Analytics Cookie Details:

Google Analytics:

• Cookie Name: _ga, _ga_*, _gid
• Purpose: Understand website usage and performance
• Duration: 2 years (_ga), 24 hours (_gid)
• Provider: Google LLC
• Privacy: IP addresses anonymised

Hotjar Analytics:

• Cookie Name: _hjid, _hjFirstSeen
• Purpose: User experience and heatmap analysis
• Duration: 12 months
• Provider: Hotjar Ltd

Website Performance:

• Cookie Name: performance_metrics
• Purpose: Monitor page load times and performance
• Duration: 7 days
• Provider: My Private Tutor Online

2.4 Marketing Cookies (Optional)

These cookies track your visits across websites to show relevant advertisements.

Marketing Cookie Details:

Google Ads:

• Cookie Name: _gcl_au, _gcl_dc
• Purpose: Measure ad effectiveness and show relevant ads
• Duration: 3 months
• Provider: Google LLC

Facebook Pixel:

• Cookie Name: _fbp, _fbc
• Purpose: Track conversions and show relevant ads
• Duration: 3 months
• Provider: Meta Platforms Inc

LinkedIn Insight:

• Cookie Name: li_sugr, UserMatchHistory
• Purpose: B2B advertising and professional targeting
• Duration: 30 days
• Provider: LinkedIn Corporation

3. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are set by third-party services that appear on our pages. We do not control these cookies, and you should check the relevant third party's website for more information.

3.1 Video Platforms

YouTube: Video embedding and analytics
Vimeo: Video hosting and playback
Zoom: Online tutoring session integration

3.2 Social Media

Facebook: Social sharing and advertising
Twitter: Social sharing and engagement
LinkedIn: Professional networking and B2B marketing
Instagram: Visual content and engagement

3.3 Payment and Security

Stripe: Secure payment processing
PayPal: Alternative payment method
reCAPTCHA: Bot protection and security

4. Cookie Consent Management

Managing Your Preferences

You can update your cookie preferences at any time using the options below:

Click here to modify your cookie settings

4.1 Consent Options

Accept All: Allow all cookies for full website functionality
Essential Only: Only necessary cookies for basic functionality
Custom Settings: Choose specific cookie categories
Reject All: Decline non-essential cookies

4.2 Browser Controls

You can also control cookies through your browser settings:

Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies
Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies
Edge: Settings → Privacy → Cookies

5. Cookie Duration and Storage

5.1 Session Cookies

Deleted when you close your browser
Used for essential website functionality
Cannot be disabled for core features

5.2 Persistent Cookies

Remain on your device for a set period
Used for preferences and analytics
Can be managed through consent settings

Cookie Lifetime Summary:

Essential cookies: Session to 12 months
Functional cookies: 24 hours to 12 months
Analytics cookies: 24 hours to 2 years
Marketing cookies: 30 days to 3 months

6. Data Processing and Privacy

6.1 Personal Data in Cookies

Some cookies may contain personal data. This is processed in accordance with ourPrivacy Policyand applicable data protection laws.

6.2 International Transfers

Some third-party cookies may transfer data outside the UK/EEA. We ensure adequate protection through:

Adequacy decisions by the European Commission
Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
Privacy frameworks and certifications
Binding corporate rules

7. Cookie Security

7.1 Security Measures

All cookies transmitted over HTTPS
Secure and HttpOnly flags where appropriate
Regular security audits and updates
SameSite attributes for CSRF protection

7.2 Data Minimisation

Only collect necessary cookie data
Regular review and deletion of unused cookies
Anonymisation of analytics data where possible
Clear retention policies for all cookie types

8. Impact of Disabling Cookies

Functionality Impact

Disabling certain cookies may affect your website experience:

8.1 Essential Cookies Disabled

Website may not function properly
Login and session management issues
Security vulnerabilities may arise
Form submissions may fail

8.2 Functional Cookies Disabled

Preferences not remembered
Limited personalisation features
Chat support may not work
Forms reset between pages

8.3 Analytics Cookies Disabled

No impact on functionality
Less personalised experience
Cannot track user journey improvements
Limited website optimisation data

9. Children's Privacy

As an educational service provider, we take special care with children's data:

Age-appropriate consent mechanisms
Parental controls for children under 13
Enhanced privacy protection for young users
Limited data collection from minors
Regular review of children's data practices

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our practices. We will notify you of significant changes through:

Updated consent banner on website
Email notification to registered users
Prominent notice on our website
Social media announcements

11. Legal Basis for Cookie Processing

11.1 GDPR Compliance

Essential cookies: Legitimate interest (website functionality)
Functional cookies: Consent
Analytics cookies: Consent
Marketing cookies: Consent

11.2 PECR Compliance

Clear information about cookie purposes
Genuine choice and control for users
Granular consent for different cookie types
Easy withdrawal of consent

12. Contact Information

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

Data Protection Team:

Email: privacy@myprivatetutoronline.co.uk
Subject: Cookie Policy Enquiry
Phone: [Phone Number]
Address: Data Protection Officer, My Private Tutor Online Limited, [Address]
Response Time: Within 72 hours

13. Useful Resources

ICO Cookie Guidance: ico.org.uk
All About Cookies: allaboutcookies.org
Your Online Choices: youronlinechoices.com
Google Privacy Controls: myaccount.google.com

This is a template for informational purposes. Consult with a qualified attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.