Privacy and Policy

Effective Date: 15/7/2025

The ELO Group ("we", "our" or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy of families, children, staff, and individuals who interact with our organisation, use our childcare services, or visit our website at www.elo.edu.au.

This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, store, and manage your personal information in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles, and applicable data protection standards.

1. Purpose of This Policy

This policy explains how we handle personal information collected from:

• Families and children enrolled in or enquiring about our services
• Members of the public engaging in promotional or marketing activities
• Prospective employees, placement students, and contractors
• Website users and anyone interacting with The ELO Group or its services

By using our website or services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

2. Definitions

• Personal Data: Information about an identified or identifiable individual.
• Usage Data: Data collected automatically during interaction with our website or services (e.g. IP address, browser type, time on page).
• Device: Any device used to access our services (e.g. computer, smartphone, tablet).
• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device by our website.
• Service Providers: Third-party organisations that support our service delivery (e.g. OWNA, analytics, hosting).

3. Types of Personal Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal and sensitive information:

• Names, contact details, addresses, dates of birth
• Information from enrolment and enquiry forms
• Family details, emergency contacts, government identifiers
• Health, immunisation, allergy, and medical information
• Education history, enrolment and attendance data
• Financial details (e.g. bank account info, billing records)
• Photos and videos (with consent)
• Employment history, visa or citizenship info, references, criminal checks
• Website usage data, device and browser details, IP addresses

4. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information via:

• Enrolment and enquiry forms (paper or online)
• Our website, OWNA, or other digital platforms
• Emails, phone calls, or in-person conversations
• Event registrations or marketing opt-ins

If information is provided for a child, it must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian.

If you do not provide the required information, we may not be able to deliver our services, respond to enquiries, or complete employment processes.

5. Use of Personal Information

Your information may be used for the following purposes:

• Service delivery: To enrol children, manage health and safety, and communicate with families.
• Employment: To assess and manage prospective and current employees.
• Marketing: To share service updates, promotions, and events (you may opt out anytime).
• Legal obligations: To meet regulatory or duty of care requirements.
• Improving services: Analysing usage trends and refining our operations.
• Contract fulfilment: Managing and executing service agreements.
• Contacting you: Via email, phone, SMS, or digital notifications regarding service updates.

6. Sensitive Information

Sensitive information (e.g. medical, religious, court orders) is collected only when necessary, with your prior consent unless otherwise permitted by law. This includes data needed to:

• Provide safe and appropriate care
• Comply with health or safety obligations
• Process employment or volunteer applications

7. Disclosure of Personal Information

Your personal data may be shared with:

• Third-party platforms and service providers that support our operations
• Regulatory bodies, where legally required
• Affiliates and business partners involved in our service delivery (under strict obligations)
• Other users or individuals, only with your consent
• In the event of business transfer, merger, or sale (you will be notified beforehand)

Some of the third-party platforms and cloud services we use (such as Google Cloud) may store or process personal information on servers located outside of Australia. While we do not control where these services host data, we take reasonable steps to ensure they comply with applicable privacy obligations and maintain robust security measures.

8. Cookies and Website Tracking

We use cookies and tracking tools to enhance your website experience. These include:

• Essential Cookies: Enable core functionality like authentication
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences (e.g. language or login)
• Analytics Tools: Track pages visited, time on site, and referral sources via Google Analytics
• Web Beacons: Embedded tags to measure open rates on emails and pages

You may control cookie settings in your browser, though some services may be limited if disabled.

9. Data Security

We apply robust security measures to protect your information, including:

• Password-protected platforms and servers
• Encryption and secure cloud environments
• Physical access controls to data storage areas
• Staff training and confidentiality procedures

Despite best efforts, no method of data transmission is 100% secure.

10. Access, Correction & Deletion

You may:

• Request access to your personal data
• Request corrections if the data is inaccurate or out of date
• Ask for deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations)

Please email us at privacy@elo.edu.au. We may verify your identity before processing your request.

11. Children's Privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13 without parental or guardian consent. If you believe your child has provided personal information without consent, please contact us so we can remove it.

12. External Links

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those third-party sites. Please review their policies before sharing personal information.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any material changes will be posted on our website. We may also notify you via email or service notifications.

The latest version will always be accessible at: www.elo.edu.au

14. Contact Us

For any questions, concerns or complaints, contact:

Privacy Officer
The ELO Group
Email: privacy@elo.edu.au
Website: www.elo.edu.au

15. Further Information

For more details about your rights, visit:

• Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: www.oaic.gov.au
• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth): www.austlii.edu.au

This policy is informed by:

• The Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988
• Australian Privacy Principles
• Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child