Cookie Policy
This policy explains how EarlyBridge uses essential browser storage, how cookie preferences are handled, and what would happen if analytics or other non-essential technologies are introduced in the future.
1. About this Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy explains how the EarlyBridge website uses cookies and similar browser technologies. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which provides further information about how personal information may be handled.
Cookies and browser storage can be used for a number of purposes, including helping websites function correctly, remembering user preferences, measuring website performance and supporting analytics or advertising.
EarlyBridge aims to use these technologies in a proportionate and transparent way.
2. What are cookies?
Cookies are small pieces of information that may be stored on a user's device when they visit a website. They can help a website remember information between pages or visits.
Similar technologies, such as local browser storage, may also be used to remember simple settings or preferences.
Not all cookies have the same purpose. Some are required for a website to operate properly, while others may be used for analytics, advertising or personalisation.
3. Essential browser storage used by EarlyBridge
The current EarlyBridge website may use essential local browser storage to remember whether a visitor has acknowledged the cookie notice.
This allows the website to avoid repeatedly displaying the same notice during normal browsing.
Essential storage
Essential storage supports the operation and usability of the website. It is not intended for advertising, behavioural profiling or cross-site tracking.
4. Current cookie and storage use
The following table summarises the type of browser storage currently expected to be used by the website.
| Type | Purpose | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Cookie notice preference | Remembers that a visitor has acknowledged the cookie notice so that it does not need to be shown unnecessarily on every page visit. | Essential |
5. Analytics
EarlyBridge does not need to use analytics tools in order for the basic website experience to operate.
If website analytics are introduced in the future, EarlyBridge should review how those tools collect and use information before they are activated.
Where consent is required for non-essential analytics, visitors should be given an appropriate choice before those technologies are enabled.
6. Advertising and marketing cookies
The current EarlyBridge website is not designed around behavioural advertising or marketing tracking.
If advertising technologies, remarketing tools or similar services are added in the future, this policy and the website's consent controls should be reviewed before they are introduced.
Visitors should be provided with clear information about what those technologies do and how they can manage their choices.
7. Third-party content and services
Some websites use third-party tools such as embedded videos, maps, booking systems, payment services, social media content or external analytics platforms.
These services may place their own cookies or use other browser technologies.
If EarlyBridge introduces any third-party services that involve non-essential cookies or tracking, the relevant privacy and cookie implications should be reviewed before those services are made available on the website.
8. Managing cookie preferences
Visitors can generally control cookies through their browser settings.
Most modern browsers allow users to:
- view stored cookies;
- delete cookies;
- block some or all cookies;
- control site-specific cookie permissions; and
- clear browser storage.
Restricting essential browser functionality may affect how some websites operate, although the EarlyBridge website is designed to remain simple and accessible.
9. Consent for non-essential technologies
If EarlyBridge introduces technologies that require user consent, the website should provide an appropriate consent mechanism before those technologies are activated.
Consent choices should be clear and should not make it unnecessarily difficult for visitors to refuse optional tracking.
The cookie notice and this policy should also be updated to reflect the technologies actually in use.
10. Cookies and children's information
EarlyBridge provides information and support relating to children and early years development.
However, the public website is primarily intended to be accessed and used by parents, carers, professionals and other adults seeking information about the service.
EarlyBridge aims to take a careful approach to privacy and data protection, particularly where information about children may be involved.
11. Changes to this policy
This Cookie Policy may be updated if the website changes, new technology is introduced, or the way EarlyBridge uses cookies and browser storage changes.
Any material changes should be reflected on this page so visitors can understand the technologies currently being used.
12. Contacting EarlyBridge
If you have a question about this Cookie Policy or the way the website uses browser storage, you can contact EarlyBridge through the website's enquiry page.
Important: this policy describes the current intended use of the EarlyBridge website. If analytics, advertising, embedded third-party tools or other non-essential technologies are introduced, the cookie controls and policy should be reviewed before those technologies are enabled.