BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND PUPILS

We will be using the latest in Biometric Technology in our new building to register pupils in their lessons and to enable them to pay for their lunches.

What is Biometric Technology? The Biometric Technology will involve taking an image of a child’s fingerprint, and using this to create a “map” of various points within the fingerprint. It is this map of points that is used by the system to recognise pupils who press their finger against a sensor pad – the actual fingerprint is not used. It is important to stress (despite what you may have read in ‘some’ newspapers!) that the actual fingerprint will not be stored in the computer system – only the map of points will be stored. These points cannot then be used to recreate a fingerprint image.

How will we use Biometric Technology? We will using this technology to record each pupil’s attendance at the Academy, their whereabouts around the building, and for Cashless Catering – meaning that pupils will no longer need to bring in money to pay for their lunch or to queue for free school meal tokens.

How will registering a pupil’s attendance work? We will be able to use the Biometric system to record a pupil’s attendance in and out of classrooms. Pupils will press their finger against the sensor pad inside the classroom, the sensor will then use the mapped points to recognise who they are and our computerised system will be automatically updated with their attendance. Automating the registration for attendance will ensure that we have an accurate record of pupils’ whereabouts in the event of an emergency.

What is the Cashless Catering System? Pupils will use the Biometric system to make their lunchtime purchases at the Academy. They will select their food and then pay for it by pressing their finger against a sensor pad which will be linked to a Cashless Catering system. The system will recognise them by using the mapped points, and will then take the cost of their food from the balance on their account. As a parent / carer you can charge up your son’s / daughter’s account by either (a) cheque, (b) cash or (c) paying online. Pupils who are eligible for free school meals will also use the same system and their free school meal account will be charged with the agreed price per day.

How will pupils pay for drinks or snacks at other times? If pupils wish to buy snacks during morning break or to purchase additional items at the breakfast service before school starts, the same system can be used, but parents are able to determine individual limits on this if required. Free cooled filtered water will be available at all times via fountains in 15 locations around the new building. Any pupils wishing to buy canned juice drinks will still need to bring money for these.

Where do I find out more? Further details on both the Biometric Technology and the Cashless Catering System, including methods of payment, can be downloaded by clicking HERE.

The biometric information from all of the pupils already at the Academy will be recorded on Wednesday 14th July and from our new Year 7s on their first day in September. If you do not wish your son/ daughter to use the biometric system, a card will be issued instead. Please contact me in writing if this is your request.

When do I need to pay in order to activate my child’s account?
Just to confirm that the new building is on schedule and the first day for all pupils will be Friday 10th September, except for Year 7 who start on Thursday 9th September. We will be holding an open day for the community on Saturday September 18th. Cash or cheques (payable to NUSA) to activate pupils’ accounts should be brought on the first day of term.