How we use cookies
Last updated: 28 August 2026
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device (computer, tablet, or phone) when you visit. They help websites remember information about your visit, like your preferences and settings.
Think of cookies like bookmarks: They help the website remember where you were, what you were doing, and what settings you prefer, so your next visit is better and more personalised.
Cookies Are Safe
Cookies cannot:
- Access other files on your device
- Install viruses or malware
- Read your personal files or emails
- Harm your device in any way
They simply store small pieces of information that help websites work better for you.
2. Why BrainBuzz Uses Cookies
BrainBuzz uses cookies to:
- Save Your Progress: Remember your game scores and achievements so you can track improvement
- Remember Your Choices: Keep your cookie preferences and settings
- Keep You Logged In: Maintain your session if you are a school or home subscriber
- Improve the Website: Understand how people use BrainBuzz so we can make it better
- Keep You Safe: Maintain security and prevent misuse of the website
3. Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies (Always Active)
These cookies are necessary for BrainBuzz to function properly. You cannot disable them because the website would not work without them.
| Purpose | What They Do | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Game Progress | Save your scores, settings, and progress in free maths and spelling activities | Persistent (until you clear browser data) |
| Cookie Consent | Remember your cookie preferences so we don't ask repeatedly | 12 months |
| Session Management | Keep school administrators, teachers, and home subscribers logged in during their visit | Session (deleted when browser closes) |
| Security | Protect against spam and abuse, maintain secure connections | Session |
| Website Function | Enable basic features like navigation and activity selection | Session |
Analytics Cookies (Optional)
These cookies help us understand how people use BrainBuzz so we can make improvements. We use Google Analytics for this purpose. You can choose whether to allow these.
| Purpose | What They Do | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Usage Analytics | Track which activities are popular, how long people spend on pages, and where visitors come from | Up to 26 months |
| Performance Monitoring | Measure page loading times and identify technical issues | Up to 26 months |
| Device Information | Understand what devices and browsers people use to optimise compatibility | Up to 26 months |
What We Learn: Analytics tell us things like "50 people played times tables today" or "most visitors use tablets" — but we never know who specific individuals are.
Privacy: All analytics data is anonymised. We cannot identify individual users or pupils from this information. Google Analytics is configured to anonymise IP addresses.
4. How to Manage Your Cookie Preferences
Through BrainBuzz
You have control over which optional cookies you allow on BrainBuzz:
- First Visit: Choose your preferences when you first see our cookie banner
- Change Anytime: Click the "Manage Cookie Preferences" button above at any time
- Essential Cookies: Always active because they're required for the website to work
- Saved Preferences: Your choices are remembered for 12 months
Through Your Web Browser
You can also manage or delete cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions
- Mobile Browsers: Check your browser's help section for cookie management
Clearing Cookies: You can delete all cookies through your browser, but remember:
- You'll lose your saved game progress for free activities
- You'll need to set your cookie preferences again
- If you are a subscriber, you will be logged out and will need to log in again
5. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on BrainBuzz are set by trusted third-party services that help us operate the website:
Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand website usage. This service:
- Collects anonymised data about how people use BrainBuzz
- Helps us identify technical issues and improve performance
- Provides insights on which activities are most helpful
- Does not collect personally identifiable information
You can opt out of Google Analytics across all websites using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Cloudflare Turnstile
We use Cloudflare Turnstile on our registration and contact forms to protect against spam and automated abuse. This is an essential security feature and does not track you for advertising purposes.
6. Cookies and Children's Privacy
BrainBuzz is designed for pupils aged 5 and above. We take extra care to protect children's privacy:
- Minimal Data: We collect only essential information needed for website function
- No Personal Information: Cookies do not store names, addresses, or other identifying information about pupils
- Local Storage: Free game progress stays on the device, not on our servers
- Parental Control: Parents can manage or delete cookies at any time
- Educational Focus: All cookie use supports educational purposes only
7. How Long Do Cookies Last?
Different cookies stay on your device for different lengths of time:
Session Cookies
These temporary cookies are deleted when you close your browser. They handle basic functions like navigation, security, and keeping subscribers logged in during a visit.
Persistent Cookies
These cookies stay on your device for a set period or until you delete them:
- Game Progress: Stays until you clear browser data
- Cookie Preferences: 12 months (so we remember your choices)
- Analytics: Up to 26 months (to understand long-term usage trends)
You can delete cookies at any time through your browser settings or by clearing browser data.
8. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this cookie policy when we add new features, change third-party services we use, or when cookie laws or regulations change. When we make significant changes:
- We'll update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page
- We'll notify users through a prominent notice on the website
- You'll have the opportunity to review and update your cookie preferences
9. Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to:
- Accept or Reject Optional Cookies: Choose which cookies to allow when you first visit
- Change Preferences: Update your cookie choices at any time using the button above
- Delete Cookies: Remove cookies through browser settings at any time
- Ask Questions: Contact us about our cookie practices
- Object to Processing: Refuse optional analytics cookies
Impact of Refusing Optional Cookies:
- Blocking essential cookies will prevent the website from functioning properly and will log out any subscribers
- Refusing analytics cookies means we can't improve the website based on usage data
10. Contact Information
Questions About Cookies?
Contact: brainbuzz.co.uk/contact
Contact Form: brainbuzz.co.uk/contact
We're happy to help explain how cookies work and assist with any concerns about privacy or data use.
11. Summary
Key Points:
- Cookies are small files that help websites remember your preferences and settings
- BrainBuzz uses essential cookies (always on) and optional analytics cookies (your choice)
- Essential cookies save free game progress, manage subscriber sessions, and ensure the website functions properly
- Analytics cookies (Google Analytics) help us improve BrainBuzz — all data is anonymised
- We do not use advertising cookies
- You have complete control over optional cookies through our preference manager
- We never collect personal information about pupils through cookies
- Parents can manage or delete cookies at any time
For more information about how we protect your privacy, please see our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.