Last Updated: 25 March 2026
This policy explains what cookies are, which ones we use on The Health Play Collective website, why we use them, and how you can control them. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy above.
What Is a Cookie?
A cookie is a small text file placed on your device (computer, tablet or phone) when you visit a website. Cookies are widely used to make websites work efficiently, remember your preferences, and provide information to website owners. Some cookies are deleted when you close your browser (“session cookies”); others remain on your device for a set period (“persistent cookies”).
Other similar technologies we use include:
This policy covers all of these technologies, collectively referred to as “cookies” below.
Our Lawful Basis for Using Cookies
Under the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) — which sit alongside UK GDPR — we are required to obtain your prior consent before placing any cookies on your device, except those that are strictly necessary for the website to function.
This means:
You may withdraw or change your consent at any time by clicking the “Cookie Preferences” link in the footer of our website.
Cookies We Use
Category 1 — Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to operate. Without them, services you have requested (such as completing a booking enquiry) cannot be provided. They do not require your consent under PECR.
Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
__session | The Health Play Collective | Maintains your session as you move between pages | Session (deleted on browser close) |
csrf_token | The Health Play Collective | Protects form submissions against cross-site request forgery attacks | Session |
load_balancer | Hosting provider | Routes traffic between servers to ensure site stability | Session |
cookie_consent | The Health Play Collective | Stores your cookie consent preferences so we do not ask again | 12 months |
Category 2 — Preference (Functional) Cookies
These cookies remember choices you have made to personalise your experience. They do not track you across other websites. We only place these with your consent.
Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
hpc_returning | The Health Play Collective | Remembers if you have visited before, so we do not display the introductory welcome pop-up on repeat visits | 12 months |
hpc_lang | The Health Play Collective | Stores your language or regional preference if selected | 12 months |
If you do not accept preference cookies, the website will still function fully — you may simply see the welcome screen on each visit.
Category 3 — Analytical Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website by collecting and reporting information in an aggregated, anonymised form. This allows us to identify which pages and messages are resonating and where we can improve the user journey. We only place these with your consent.
Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
_ga | Google Analytics (Google LLC) | Distinguishes unique users by assigning a randomly generated number. Used to calculate visitor, session and campaign data | 2 years |
_ga_[ID] | Google Analytics | Used to persist session state | 2 years |
_gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users — stores and updates a unique value for each page visited | 24 hours |
_gat | Google Analytics | Used to throttle request rate to Google’s servers | 1 minute |
Important note on Google Analytics: Google LLC is a US-based company. When Google Analytics is active, data (including anonymised IP addresses) may be transferred to Google’s servers in the United States. We have enabled IP anonymisation within our Google Analytics configuration, meaning your full IP address is never stored. This transfer is covered by Google’s participation in the UK-US data bridge adequacy framework. You can review Google’s own privacy policy at policies.google.com/privacy.
We do not use Google Analytics advertising features, demographic reporting, or cross-site tracking.
Category 4 — Marketing & Targeting Cookies
We currently do not use marketing or advertising cookies on our website. We will update this policy and seek fresh consent before introducing any such cookies in future.
Third-Party Cookies
Some pages on our website may include embedded content (such as videos or social media share buttons) from third-party providers. These providers may set their own cookies on your device independently of our consent tool. We have no control over third-party cookies. Where we embed third-party content, we will flag this clearly on the relevant page. You should review the cookie and privacy policies of those providers directly:
How to Manage Your Cookie Preferences
You have several ways to control cookies:
1. Our Cookie Consent Banner When you first visit our website, a consent banner will appear. You can accept all cookies, accept only necessary cookies, or customise your preferences by category. You can change your choices at any time by clicking “Cookie Preferences” in the footer.
2. Your Browser Settings All major browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through their settings. Please note that blocking strictly necessary cookies may prevent parts of the website from functioning correctly. Guidance for major browsers:
3. Google Analytics Opt-Out You can prevent Google Analytics from collecting data about your visits across any website by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Cookie Retention & Review
We review the cookies we use and this policy at least once every 12 months, or whenever we make a material change to our use of cookies. Where a change requires fresh consent, we will present the consent banner again. The “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy reflects the most recent review.
We do not re-consent users unnecessarily — if you have already given or declined consent and nothing material has changed, we will honour your existing preference for up to 12 months before asking again.
Contact & Complaints
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at info@thehealthplaycollective.co.uk
If you are unhappy with how we handle your cookie consent, you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113. The ICO is the UK’s lead authority on both UK GDPR and PECR.
