Privacy policy

Last updated: March 15, 2025
1. Introduction

At Steps Early Learning, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and manage your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

By using our services, visiting our website, or providing us with your personal information, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Who We Are

Steps Early Learning is a trading name of Steps Learning Pty Ltd (ABN: 59 683 207 507) which provides early childhood education services across Australia. Our vision is to spark a better tomorrow through tech-enabled connection, long-term development plans, and a network of inspired people to create richer educational journeys.

3. Personal Information We Collect

We collect personal information that is necessary for our functions and activities. This may include:

3.1 Families and Children
  • Contact details (name, address, email, phone number)
  • Date of birth
  • Medicare information
  • Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN)
  • Health information including allergies, medical conditions, immunisation records
  • Developmental information
  • Cultural background
  • Photographs and videos
  • Attendance records
3.2 Staff and Job Applicants
  • Contact details
  • Employment history and qualifications
  • Working with Children Checks
  • Tax File Numbers
  • Banking details
  • Emergency contact information
  • Performance information
3.3 Website Visitors
  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Pages visited and time spent
  • Referring website
  • Device information
4. How We Collect Personal Information

We collect personal information through:

  • Enrolment forms and documentation
  • Job applications and employment forms
  • Direct communications (in person, phone, email)
  • Our website and digital platforms
  • Photographs and videos taken at our centres
  • Third parties (with your consent)
5. Purpose of Collection

We collect personal information to:

  • Provide high-quality early education and care services
  • Comply with regulatory requirements and reporting obligations
  • Process Child Care Subsidy claims
  • Communicate with families about their child's development
  • Manage employment relationships
  • Improve our services and develop new programs
  • Ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of children
  • Respond to enquiries and complaints
  • Maintain accurate records
6. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose personal information to:

  • Government departments and agencies (Department of Education, Services Australia)
  • Regulatory authorities
  • Professional advisors (lawyers, accountants, auditors)
  • Service providers who assist in our operations (IT providers, payment processors)
  • Medical professionals (in emergencies)
  • Debt collection agencies (if applicable)

We will not disclose your personal information to overseas recipients without your consent, unless required by law.

7. Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. These measures include:

  • Secure storage of physical documents
  • Password protection and encryption of digital information
  • Restricted access to personal information
  • Staff training on privacy and confidentiality
  • Regular security assessments
8. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. We take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify personal information when it is no longer needed.

9. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal information
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Opt-out of direct marketing communications
  • Make a complaint about a breach of privacy
10. Access and Correction

You may request access to your personal information or ask us to correct or update it. Please contact our Privacy Officer using the details below. We will respond to your request within 30 days. In some circumstances, we may deny access as permitted by law, and we'll provide reasons if this occurs.

11. Cookies and Analytics

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience and collect information about how our website is used. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

We use Google Analytics to analyse website traffic. This service may collect data about your use of our website, including your IP address. You can opt out of Google Analytics by using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted on our website with the "Last Updated" date revised accordingly.

13. Complaints

If you believe we have breached your privacy, please contact our Privacy Officer. We will investigate your complaint and respond within 30 days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or 1300 363 992.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about our Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact:

Steps Learning Pty Ltd
Trading as: Steps Early Learning
Email: hello@steps.com.au
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