Biometric information is information about a person’s physical or behavioural characteristics that can be used to identify them.  The school would like to take and use information from your child’s fingerprint and use this information for the purpose of providing your child with an account for the cashless catering system operated in the school canteen. 

The system will take measurements of your child’s finger and convert these measurements into a template to be stored on the system. An image of your child’s fingerprint is not stored.  The template (i.e. measurements taking from your child’s finger is what will be used to permit your child to access services.

How does cashless catering work?

When an account is set up for your child he/she can put credit on their account using two top up machines.  The money is automatically added to their account and can be used immediately.  If your child is entitled to a free school meal the credit will be added to their account at the start of each school day. 

When the pupil chooses their breakfast, snack or lunch they will use their finger to authorise the payment and the amount will be deducted from the balance.

What are the advantages?

• Students are served quicker, queues are shorter giving pupils longer to relax and enjoy their lunch
• Removal of free school meal stigma
• The system can highlight any allergies the pupil may have and alert catering staff
• Prevents loss of money as pupils will not be carrying money around school

Click here for the school letter with more details and consent reply slip.