Facial Recognition for School Catering
Harper Green School uses facial recognition technology as part of our cashless catering system, providing a quick, secure and efficient way for students to purchase food and refreshments.
The system enables students to pay for school meals simply by looking at a camera at the till. Their catering account is identified instantly, allowing them to move through the queue more quickly without the need to carry a lunch card or remember a PIN.
Benefits
Using facial recognition helps to:
- Reduce queuing times at lunchtime
- Provide a quick and convenient way to pay for school meals
- Remove the need to carry a lunch card
- Improve the efficiency of our cashless catering service
- Offer a secure method of identification
Consent
Facial recognition is optional and requires parental consent before a student's biometric data can be used.
Students who do not have consent to use facial recognition can continue to purchase food using an alternative method of identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful information and frequently asked questions on facial recognition and biometrics.
If you need any further support or guidance, please contact us via email at office@harpergreen.net.
What is facial recognition and how does it work?
Facial recognition provides a quick, secure and convenient way for students to pay for school meals. It helps reduce queuing times, removes the need to carry a lunch card and improves the efficiency of our cashless catering service.
How is my child's data stored?
Faceprint data is encrypted using AES 256 encryption and stored securely on the school's server within the school's secure network.
Is a photograph stored?
Yes. A photograph is stored alongside the faceprint template and is used by catering staff as an additional verification when students make purchases.
Is facial recognition secure?
Yes. Facial recognition is only used at the catering tills and is operated by authorised members of staff. Biometric data is encrypted and handled in accordance with UK data protection legislation.
Do I have to give consent?
Yes. Facial recognition is optional and parental consent is required before a student's biometric data can be used.
What if I do not give consent?
Students who do not have consent to use facial recognition can continue to access the cashless catering system using an alternative method of identification.
Can I withdraw my consent?
Yes. Parents and carers can withdraw their consent at any time by contacting the school. Once consent has been withdrawn, the student's faceprint template will be permanently deleted from the system.
How are payments made?
Harper Green School operates a cashless catering system. Payments for school meals are made securely through MyChildAtSchool (MCAS) and are immediately available for students to use at the catering tills.
We are committed to ensuring our cashless catering system is secure, efficient and easy to use. If you have any questions about facial recognition or biometric consent, please don't hesitate to contact the school office. We'll be happy to help.