Facial Recognition for school catering
Rivington and Blackrod High School uses facial recognition technology as part of our cashless catering system, providing a quick and convenient way for students to purchase food and refreshments.
Students simply look at a camera at the till to identify their catering account. The cost of their purchase is then deducted from their balance, without the need to carry a lunch card.
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. Written parental consent is required before a student's biometric data can be used.
Students can also choose not to use facial recognition, even where parental consent has been given. An alternative method of identification is available so that all students can continue to access our catering service.
For information about providing or withdrawing consent, please contact the school office at office@rbhs.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is facial recognition and how does it work?
Facial recognition is a form of biometric technology that identifies a student using their facial features. These features are converted into a digital record known as a faceprint template.
When a student looks at the camera at the catering till, the system compares their facial features with the stored template to identify their catering account.
How is my child's data stored?
Faceprint templates are encrypted using AES 256 encryption and stored on a school 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 check when students make purchases.
How is the system used securely?
Facial recognition is only used at the catering tills, which are attended and operated by authorised members of staff. Faceprint templates are encrypted to help protect students' biometric data.
Do I have to give consent?
No. Facial recognition is optional. Written parental consent is required before a student's biometric data can be used, but you can choose not to provide it.
What if my child does not use facial recognition?
Students can continue to purchase food and refreshments using an alternative method of identification. This applies whether parental consent has not been given or the student chooses not to use the system.
Please contact the school office for details of the alternative arrangements.
Can I withdraw my consent?
Yes. Parents and carers can withdraw consent at any time by contacting the school office in writing at office@rbhs.co.uk.
Once consent is withdrawn, the student's faceprint template will be removed from the system and an alternative method of identification will be arranged.
How are payments made?
Rivington and Blackrod High School operates a cashless catering system. Parents and carers can top up their child's catering account through MyChildAtSchool (MCAS).
When a student purchases food or refreshments, the cost is deducted from their catering account balance.
Further Support
If you have any questions about facial recognition, biometric consent or cashless catering, please contact office@rbhs.co.uk. We'll be happy to help.