Privacy notice - Accelerated Reader by Renaissance Learning

Data controller and contact details 

Scottish Borders Council (including your child's school) is the data controller. We are responsible for ensuring your child's personal information is handled safely and lawfully.  

• Address: Newtown St Boswells, Melrose, TD6 0SA 
• Enquiries: 0300 100 1800 | customeradvice@scotborders.gov.uk 
• Education service 
• Data Protection Officer: dataprotection@scotborders.gov.uk

Protecting your child’s identity

Before using any application, we assess if we can achieve our goals without using personal data:

• Anonymisation: We use non-identifiable data for general reporting whenever possible.
• Pseudonymisation: We use unique ID numbers instead of personal data within the software to add a layer of security against unauthorised identification.

Information we use and purpose

Purpose

Scottish Borders schools can use Renaissance Accelerated Reader and Star Reader to support the development of pupils’ reading and literacy skills to improve attainment.

Accelerated Reader is used to assess, monitor and support pupils’ reading development. It enables teachers to track reading progress, identify literacy support needs, set personalised reading goals and plan learning appropriately, with the aim of improving reading attainment and engagement with reading.

Information we use

We have determined that the minimum data required to run Renaissance (Accelerated Reader/Star Reader) is: first name, first initial of surname, school, stage and date of birth. We use this to:

• Assess reading levels and set personalised goals based on age/stage
• Track progress via quizzes and identifying where extra teacher support is needed.

Legal basis and safety measures

• Lawful basis: We process this data under Public Task, as it is part of our official legal duty to provide education and monitor pupil progress.
• Lawful basis: In the fulfilment of a contract.
• Security: We have conducted a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) and third-party assurance check.
• Retention: Data is held while your child is at school. Accounts are deactivated and deleted in line with our retention schedule once they leave or stop using the app.

Data sharing and decision making

• Who sees it: Access is restricted to relevant school staff and Renaissance Learning (the provider). Renaissance uses sub-processors to help them deliver the service but is strictly forbidden from using data for any other purpose such as marketing or sales.
• No automated decisions: While the software provides scores (like Reading Age), it does not make automatic decisions. A teacher always uses their professional judgment to decide the next steps for your child.
• Read Renaissance Learning UK Ltd. “Ren UK” Sub-processors that support Ren UK Products

Your rights and complaints 

Depending on your child’s age and capacity (usually from age 12 in Scotland), they or their parent/guardian have the right to access their data or request corrections. They may also ask us to restrict processing or object in certain circumstances. For concerns or to exercise your rights, please contact the Headteacher or visit our Data protection and your rights webpage.

How to raise a complaint

We aim to directly resolve all complaints about how we handle personal information. If your complaint is about how we have handled your personal information, you can contact our Data Protection Officer by email dataprotection@scotborders.gov.uk or phone on 0300 100 1800.

However, you also have the right to lodge a complaint about data protection matters with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), who can be contacted by

• post: Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF
• phone on 0303 123 1113
• Visit the ICO website

If your complaint is not about a data protection matter, visit our Making Complaints webpage for more information.