1. Cookies and similar technologies
A cookie is a small text file stored by a website in your browser. Similar technologies, such as local storage, pixels and tags, can store or read information on a device. In this policy, “cookies” includes these technologies where the same privacy rules apply.
The public website is operated by Kidstrument Music Tuition Limited. For contact details, see our Privacy Policy.
2. How these technologies are used
The public website uses technologies for two measurement purposes:
- Analytics: Hotjar helps us understand how visitors use pages and where the experience can improve.
- Advertising measurement: Google Ads helps us understand whether an advert led to a visit or enquiry.
These scripts load automatically when you visit the public website. You can block or delete their cookies using your browser or device controls.
3. Strictly necessary storage
Public pages may use short-lived security or load-balancing technologies where our hosting platform requires them to deliver a request safely. These are not used for advertising.
4. Analytics technologies (Hotjar)
Hotjar may collect pseudonymous information about page use, interactions, browser and device characteristics. We use it to find usability problems, not to identify pupils. Do not enter confidential information into public forms.
| Name or pattern | Purpose | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
_hjSessionUser_* | Maintains a pseudonymous Hotjar user ID so visits can be associated without directly identifying the visitor. | 365 days |
_hjSession_* | Holds current-session data so later requests in the session are attributed correctly. | 30 minutes |
_hjAbsoluteSessionInProgress | Detects the first page-view session for a visitor. | 30 minutes |
_hjIncludedInSessionSample_* | Records whether the session is included in a site sampling limit. | 2 minutes |
_hjFirstSeen, _hjSessionResumed and other _hj* session keys | Supports session recognition, sampling and feature delivery. | Session or up to 30 minutes, depending on the key |
Hotjar may change its technical cookie list. See Hotjar's current cookie documentation and privacy policy.
5. Advertising measurement (Google Ads)
Google's tag may store or read identifiers that attribute a visit or conversion to an advert and measure campaign effectiveness.
| Name or pattern | Purpose | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
_gcl_au | Stores and tracks conversions from advertising. | 90 days |
_gcl_aw and related _gcl_* keys | Stores campaign and ad-click attribution information. | Typically 90 days |
test_cookie | Checks whether the browser supports cookies. | About 15 minutes |
IDE | May be used by Google on its advertising domains to measure or limit advertising activity. | Up to 13 months in the UK |
The exact Google keys depend on the browser, referral path and Google configuration. See Google's advertising cookie information and privacy policy.
6. Managing cookies
You can use your browser settings to block or delete cookies. Third-party cookies on a provider's own domain may need to be cleared through the same browser controls.
7. Browser and device controls
Most browsers let you view, block or delete cookies and site data. Blocking all storage may affect sign-in on the separate teacher platform. Browser “do not track” signals are not interpreted consistently across providers.
8. Changes and contact
We will update this policy when providers, purposes or durations materially change. For a cookie or privacy question, email help@kidstrument.co.uk. More information about personal data and your rights is in our Privacy Policy.