blooming kids OT
Privacy Policy
Last updated: September 2026
blooming kids OT ("blooming kids", "we", "us" or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information and health information entrusted to us.
This Privacy Policy explains how blooming kids collects, uses, stores, discloses and protects personal information in accordance with applicable Australian privacy laws, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), where applicable.
As a paediatric occupational therapy practice, we understand that the information we collect may be highly sensitive, particularly information relating to children's health, development, disability, education and wellbeing.
1. Who this policy applies to
This Privacy Policy applies to personal information collected by blooming kids through:
● our website
● website enquiry forms
● telephone
● social media
● referrals
● intake and registration processes
● occupational therapy services
● consultations
● appointments
● client communications
● downloadable forms
● other interactions with blooming kids.
It applies to information relating to children, parents, carers and other individuals who interact with blooming kids.
2. What information we collect
Depending on the services you access, blooming kids may collect information including:
Personal information
● name
● date of birth
● contact details
● address
● email address
● telephone number
● parent/carer details
● emergency contact details
● relevant family information.
Health and clinical information
This may include sensitive health information such as:
● developmental history
● medical history
● diagnoses
● medications
● allergies
● sensory information
● communication information
● behavioural and emotional information
● functional abilities
● occupational performance
● assessment results
● therapy goals
● clinical observations
● reports from other professionals
● information relating to disability or support needs
● information relating to a child's education or participation.
Education and support information
Where relevant, we may collect information about:
● school or kindergarten
● teachers and educators
● learning needs
● Individual Education Plans or similar documents
● support services
● allied health providers
● NDIS plans and funding information
● other relevant support arrangements.
Administrative and financial information
This may include:
● Medicare information where relevant
● NDIS information where relevant
● funding details
● invoices
● payment information
● appointment information
● correspondence
● service agreements.
We aim to collect only information that is reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it is collected.
3. How we collect information
We may collect information directly from you, including when you:
● complete an enquiry form
● contact us by email or telephone
● complete an intake form
● make an appointment
● provide information during an assessment
● participate in therapy
● provide documents or reports
● communicate with us about your child's care.
We may also collect information from other sources where appropriate and lawful, including:
● parents or carers
● referring professionals
● schools and kindergartens
● teachers and educators
● GPs
● paediatricians
● psychologists
● speech pathologists
● physiotherapists
● other allied health professionals
● support coordinators
● plan managers
● the NDIS or other funding bodies where applicable.
Where required, we will seek appropriate consent before collecting information from third parties.
4. Why we collect personal information
blooming kids may collect and use personal information to:
● respond to enquiries
● determine whether our services are appropriate
● provide occupational therapy services
● conduct assessments
● develop goals and intervention plans
● communicate with families
● coordinate care
● communicate with other professionals where authorised
● communicate with schools and kindergartens where authorised
● prepare reports
● manage appointments
● process invoices and payments
● manage NDIS or other funding arrangements
● maintain clinical records
● meet professional and legal obligations
● manage complaints and concerns
● improve our services
● manage business administration.
5. Health information
Health information is considered sensitive information under Australian privacy law.
blooming kids takes additional care when collecting and handling health information.
Health information is collected only where reasonably necessary for providing services, managing the practice, meeting legal/professional obligations or for another lawful purpose.
The OAIC recognises allied health providers as health service providers and provides specific guidance regarding the handling of health information.
6. Consent
Where appropriate, blooming kids will seek consent before collecting, using or disclosing sensitive information.
For children, consent will generally be obtained from a parent, guardian or other person authorised to provide consent, having regard to the child's age, maturity and circumstances.
Consent may be provided through written forms, electronic forms, verbal communication or other appropriate means.
You may withdraw consent in some circumstances. However, withdrawing consent may affect our ability to provide certain services or communicate with other professionals.
Where this occurs, we will explain the implications to you.
7. Use and disclosure of information
blooming kids will generally use personal information for the purpose for which it was collected or for a related purpose that you would reasonably expect.
Depending on the circumstances, information may be disclosed to:
● parents or carers
● referring professionals
● GPs
● paediatricians
● allied health professionals
● schools or kindergartens
● educators
● support coordinators
● plan managers
● NDIS or relevant funding bodies
● insurers
● accountants or professional advisers
● information technology or software providers
● administrative service providers
● government agencies
● other parties where you have provided consent
● other parties where disclosure is required or authorised by law.
We will not disclose health information for unrelated purposes without appropriate authority or consent, unless permitted or required by law.
8. Third-party service providers and technology
blooming kids uses third-party software and technology to support the operation of the practice.
These services may include systems used for:
● practice management
● appointment scheduling
● invoicing
● document storage
● business administration
● clinical documentation
● website hosting
● communication
● online forms.
Examples may include Halaxy, Google Workspace, Squarespace and Everbility, or other services used by blooming kids from time to time.
Information may be stored or processed by these providers in Australia or overseas, depending on the provider's infrastructure and settings.
blooming kids takes reasonable steps to select appropriate providers and manage information securely.
Where required under Australian privacy law, we will take appropriate steps in relation to overseas disclosures.
Before finalising this policy, blooming kids will review the current privacy terms and data-storage arrangements of each provider used by the practice.
9. Website information and cookies
When you visit our website, certain technical information may be collected automatically.
This may include:
● IP address
● browser type
● device information
● pages visited
● approximate location information
● date and time of access
● website usage information.
We may use cookies, analytics tools or similar technologies to understand website use, improve our website and monitor website performance.
Where applicable, you can adjust your browser settings to manage cookies.
If blooming kids uses Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, advertising cookies or other tracking technologies, the website should be updated to accurately reflect those technologies.
10. Direct marketing
blooming kids may occasionally provide information about services, resources, workshops or other blooming kids activities.
We will comply with applicable privacy and marketing requirements.
Sensitive health information will not be used for direct marketing without appropriate consent.
You may opt out of marketing communications at any time.
The OAIC notes that health information has additional restrictions in relation to direct marketing.
11. Storage and security
blooming kids takes reasonable steps to protect personal information from:
● misuse
● interference
● loss
● unauthorised access
● modification
● disclosure.
Security measures may include:
● password protection
● access controls
● secure software platforms
● device security
● restricted access to client information
● secure digital storage
● staff confidentiality obligations
● appropriate backup processes.
Access to clinical information will be limited to people who require it for their role or for another lawful purpose.
The OAIC recommends that health practices maintain appropriate privacy management processes, staff training, information security and data breach response procedures.
12. Data breaches
blooming kids has procedures for responding to suspected or actual data breaches.
Where a data breach occurs, blooming kids will assess the breach and take appropriate action in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme where applicable.
This may include:
● containing the breach
● assessing the information involved
● taking steps to prevent further unauthorised access
● notifying affected individuals where required
● notifying the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner where required
● reviewing and improving security processes.
13. Access to your information
You may request access to personal information blooming kids holds about you or your child.
Requests should be made in writing where possible.
We will respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
In some circumstances, access may be limited or refused where permitted by law.
14. Correction of information
We aim to keep personal information accurate, complete and up to date.
If you believe information held by blooming kids is incorrect or incomplete, please contact us and request a correction.
We will take reasonable steps to correct information where appropriate.
15. Retention of clinical records
blooming kids retains clinical and administrative records in accordance with applicable legal, professional, insurance and regulatory requirements.
Records may be retained for a period after services have ended.
The specific retention period may depend on the nature of the record, the age of the client and applicable Victorian requirements.
16. Privacy complaints
If you believe blooming kids has mishandled your personal information, we encourage you to contact us first so that we can investigate and attempt to resolve your concern.
Please contact:
Privacy Officerblooming kids Paediatric OT
Email: hello@bloomingkidsot.com.au
We will acknowledge and investigate privacy complaints and respond within a reasonable timeframe.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Further information about privacy complaints is available from the OAIC.
17. Confidentiality
blooming kids understands the importance of confidentiality when working with children and families.
All staff, contractors and other people who have access to client information will be expected to maintain appropriate confidentiality and comply with relevant privacy requirements.
Information will only be accessed, used or disclosed where authorised and necessary for the person's role or otherwise permitted or required by law.
18. Children and young people
blooming kids provides services primarily to children.
We recognise the importance of protecting children's privacy and will take appropriate steps to safeguard children's personal and health information.
Information may be shared with parents, carers or other authorised individuals where appropriate and lawful.
As children mature, blooming kids will have regard to their developing capacity and rights when managing their personal information.
19. Changes to this Privacy Policy
blooming kids may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in:
● privacy legislation
● professional requirements
● technology
● software providers
● business practices
● services provided by blooming kids.
The current version will be published on this website with the date of the most recent update.
20. Contact
For privacy questions, requests for access or correction, or privacy complaints, please contact:
Privacy Officer: [INSERT NAME]
blooming kids OT
Email: hello@bloomingkidsot.com.au
Website: www.bloomingkidsot.com.au
ABN: 14165127929