Data Protection Policy

1. Introduction
This Data Protection Policy establishes the guidelines for handling personal data at Understanding-americans School, in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK Data Protection Act 2018. This policy governs the collection, use, and safeguarding of personal data to provide language learning services through video conferencing.

2. Scope and Applicability
This policy applies to all personal data processed by the school, irrespective of whether it is stored electronically or on paper. It includes data collected directly from data subjects (students, potential students, and staff), as well as data obtained from third parties and public sources. The policy covers all operational areas where personal data is processed, from initial data collection through storage, access, transfer, and deletion. It also applies to all personnel at the school who may handle personal data, including teachers, administrative staff, and IT support teams, ensuring that everyone understands their responsibilities under data protection laws.

3. Data Processing Purposes
The processing of personal data at our language school serves multiple essential functions, detailed as follows:

Account Management: Personal data is essential for creating and managing user accounts where students can access course materials, track their progress, and receive tailored learning experiences.
Service Provision: We use personal data to facilitate the scheduling, management, and delivery of interactive language lessons conducted via video conferencing tools. This ensures that lessons are efficiently organized according to both student and teacher availability.
Customer Support: Personal data aids in providing timely support and assistance to students, addressing queries and resolving any issues that may arise during the course of their studies.
Marketing and Communications: We leverage contact information to inform students of upcoming courses, special promotions, and events, as well as general school news, which are crucial for maintaining engagement and enhancing the learning experience.
Feedback and Surveys: Data is collected to conduct surveys and gather feedback from students, which is crucial for improving course content and the overall service delivery. This feedback loop helps in refining our offerings and ensuring they meet the educational needs and preferences of our students.
Quality Improvement: Analyzing how students interact with our services allows us to identify trends, improve our educational strategies, and make data-driven decisions to enhance the effectiveness of our teaching methods.

4. Lawful Basis for Processing
The lawful basis for processing personal data under this policy is the consent of the data subjects. Data subjects provide their consent explicitly during the registration process and can withdraw their consent at any time.

5. Categories of Personal Data
The personal data collected includes:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Email address
- Telegram username
- Contact information

6. Data Subject Rights
Data subjects have the following rights under GDPR:
- The right to access their personal data
- The right to request correction or deletion
- The right to restrict processing
- The right to object to processing
- The right to withdraw consent at any time

7. Consent for Data Processing and Communication
Consent for processing personal data is obtained through a clear, affirmative action when users register on our platform. Specific consents obtained include:
- WhatsApp Communications: Users consent to receive educational materials, notifications of upcoming classes, and marketing messages through WhatsApp.
- Telegram Communications: Users consent to receive updates and communications through Telegram, allowing for timely and convenient interactions. This consent can also be withdrawn at any time through the same methods as WhatsApp communications.
- SMS Communications: Users consent to receive educational materials, notifications of upcoming classes, and marketing messages through SMS.

8. Contact Information for Data Protection Officer
For questions and requests related to personal data protection, please contact:
- Phone: +79877239985
- Email: aleevaasya@mail.ru

9. Additional Permissions
In addition to the general consent for data processing outlined earlier, data subjects explicitly agree to several additional permissions that enhance the user experience and service delivery:
Educational Messages: Data subjects consent to receive messages via WhatsApp and Telegram related to educational content, including lesson reminders, homework assignments, and educational resources that support their learning journey.

Marketing Communications: With explicit consent, we send promotional messages and information about new courses, special events, and discounts that may interest students. This communication helps keep students informed of opportunities that can enhance their educational experience.

Service Notifications: Data subjects agree to receive operational communications via WhatsApp and Telegram, such as changes to service availability, updates to our Data Protection Policy, and other critical announcements that may affect their use of our services.

Feedback Requests: We may contact students to participate in surveys or provide feedback on their learning experience. This data is invaluable for us to continuously improve our services and ensure we are meeting the needs of our students.

10. Updates to the Policy
This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements or our processing practices. Data subjects will be informed of any significant changes.

11. Effective Date
This policy is effective as of 23.05.2024