Privacy Notice

Stepping Stones Early Learning Centre

Stepping Stones Early Learning Centre respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information of children, parents, and families who use our services.

This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, and protect personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable Maltese data protection laws.

Information We Collect

When families interact with our centre, we may collect personal information such as:

  • Parent or guardian names

  • Contact details (email address, telephone number, address)

  • Child’s name and date of birth

  • Emergency contact information

  • Medical or allergy information relevant to the child’s wellbeing

  • Information required for enrolment and attendance

  • Government childcare scheme documentation where applicable

This information is collected only when necessary to provide childcare services and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in our care.

How We Use Your Information

The personal information we collect is used for purposes including:

  • Processing childcare registrations and admissions

  • Communicating with parents and guardians

  • Maintaining children’s records and development reports

  • Ensuring children’s health, safety, and wellbeing

  • Administering attendance and daily routines

  • Providing updates through approved communication platforms such as the Procare application

  • Meeting legal and regulatory requirements for licensed childcare services

We only collect information that is necessary for these purposes.

Sharing Information

Personal data will only be shared when required and only with appropriate parties, such as:

  • Authorised Stepping Stones staff responsible for childcare and administration

  • Government authorities administering childcare schemes or regulations

  • Health or emergency services where required for a child’s safety

  • Early childhood professionals when parents have provided consent for referrals or support

Personal data is never sold or shared for marketing purposes.

Photographs and Media

Photographs or videos of children may be taken during activities to document learning experiences or to share updates with parents through secure platforms such as the Procare application.

Images or media will not be used publicly without the explicit consent of parents or guardians, which is requested during the registration process.

Data Security

Stepping Stones takes appropriate measures to ensure that personal information is kept secure and protected from unauthorised access.

This includes:

  • Secure digital systems

  • Restricted access to confidential records

  • Secure storage of physical documents

  • Staff training on confidentiality and data protection practices

How Long We Keep Information

Children’s records and related documentation are stored only for the period required by childcare regulations and legal obligations.

Staff records and other relevant documentation may be retained for the period required by Maltese law before being securely disposed of.

Your Rights

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), parents and guardians have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about them or their child

  • Request corrections to inaccurate information

  • Request deletion of data where legally permissible

  • Restrict or object to the processing of their personal data

  • Withdraw consent where consent has been provided

Requests regarding personal data can be made by contacting the centre directly.

Updates to This Privacy Notice: 

This Privacy Notice may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in regulations or centre practices. The most recent version will always be available on our website.