This system is operating in the following schools:
- Huntcliff*
- North Axholme
- Brumby*
- Baysgarth
- Foxhills
- Frederick Gough
- St Bede's
- Melior North
- Vale of Ancholme
- Winterton Comprehensive*
- Sir John Nelthorpe*
The system has many benefits, including:
- No stigma for free school meals - all pupils have the same swipe cards
- Parents can add credits directly to the card
- Added security - pupils do not need to carry cash
- Reduction in queuing time as no fiddling for change at the till
- Parents can request details of what their child has bought.
How does it work?
Each pupil is given a swipe card when they begin Year 7.
Parents can send cash or cheques to school, or pay over the telephone or online.
The money is then credited to the card, and an allowance is available each day (up to £3).
If your child is receiving free school meals, their allowance is credited to their card automatically and money can still be added to their card if desired.
The amount the pupil spends is deducted from his or her card and details of what has been purchased are recorded so that parents can see what their child has been buying.
The cashless catering system provides a faster service and helps pupils develop key skills as they are responsible for managing their own account and keeping their swipe card safe.
* The exceptions are Huntcliff and Brumby, where cards are not given out as the system there uses biometric technology instead. This is where a pupil's fingerprint is used rather than a swipe card. This is proving to be hugely successful and pupils have the added benefit of not having to remember their swipe card, or pay for a replacement if they lose their original card.