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Privacy

Privacy policy

Last updated: 12 January 2026

This privacy policy explains how Childcare Calculator ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, and protects information when you use our website at childcare-calculator.co.uk.

Information we collect

Calculator Data

All childcare calculations are performed locally in your web browser. The data you enter into the calculator (hours, costs, provider types) is:

  • Stored only in your browser's local storage
  • Never transmitted to our servers
  • Never shared with third parties
  • Automatically deleted when you clear your browser data

Analytics

We do not use any analytics or measurement service on this site. No tag or script records the pages you visit, how long you stay, or where you came from.

The only non-essential cookies on the site are the advertising cookies described below, and they are set only if you agree to them.

Cookies and local storage

Essential Storage

We use local storage (not cookies) to save your calculator history and preferences. This allows you to:

  • Save multiple calculation scenarios
  • Compare different childcare options
  • Return to your saved calculations later

You can clear this data at any time using the "Clear All" button in the calculator or by clearing your browser's local storage.

Third-Party Cookies

Our site may use third-party cookies from one service only:

  • Google AdSense: For displaying relevant advertisements

Google may use those cookies to choose the advertisements you see and to measure how they perform. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Advertising

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our site. Google and its partners may use cookies and other tracking technologies to:

  • Show ads based on your interests
  • Measure ad performance
  • Prevent showing ads you've already seen

You can opt out of personalised advertising by visiting Google's Ads Settings or www.youronlinechoices.com.

Data Security

Since we do not collect or store personal information on our servers, there is minimal data security risk. All calculator data remains on your device and is under your control.

Your Rights

Under UK data protection law (UK GDPR), you have the right to:

  • Access any personal data we hold (none in this case)
  • Request deletion of your data (simply clear your browser storage)
  • Opt out of personalised advertising
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

Children's Privacy

Our service is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect information from children. The calculator is designed for adult parents and guardians to estimate childcare costs.

External Links

Our site may contain links to external websites (such as gov.uk for Tax-Free Childcare applications). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites. Please review their privacy policies separately.

Data Retention

We retain data as follows:

  • Local storage data: Stored in your browser until you clear it. We have no access to this data.
  • Advertising data: Managed by Google AdSense according to their data retention policies.

Since we do not collect personal data directly, there is no personal data for us to delete from our servers.

Changes to this policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top will reflect any changes. Continued use of the site after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy, please visit our Contact page.

Measurement cookies, which count visits so we can see which pages are worth keeping, are only set if you agree to them. When you first visit you are asked, and nothing is stored until you answer. Declining is a single click on the same footing as accepting.

Advertising cookies are a separate question, asked separately by Google's own certified notice rather than by us. Google is the advertising partner, the cookies are set by Google, and only its notice is certified to record that choice and pass it on, so we do not ask on its behalf.

You can change your mind at any time using the Cookie settings link in the footer of any page. Your measurement choice is kept in your browser's own local storage, on your device: it is never sent to us and is not used to identify you.

Cookies already set by an earlier choice can be cleared through your browser settings.