Biometrics
Rossett School uses biometric technology with our cashless catering system, when borrowing/returning books from the Learning Resource Centre, and in some of the vending machines.
These systems use a scan of a student’s thumbprint or fingerprint to create a unique algorithm from the scanned points. This data is then encrypted and serves no purpose other than identification by the systems within the school. The biometric systems do not store fingerprints and it is not possible to re-create the fingerprint from the algorithm. Furthermore the encrypted data cannot be accessed by any person within the school or by any outside third party. When a student leaves Rossett, all associated personal and biometric data is removed and deleted.
The advantages of using these systems are that there is no need for students to carry money in school and there are no identity cards to lose or break (with the associated cost and inconvenience of replacing them).
Under legislation introduced in September 2013, it is a requirement that schools obtain parental consent for the processing of this data. If consent is withheld students will be able to access the cashless catering system by using a PIN number, however, this system is not as secure.
To access the Parental Consent Form, please click here
Biometrics FAQs
What is a Biometric System?
A Biometric System is a solution which is purpose designed to meet the ever evolving needs and demands by today’s schools. We have two biometric systems at Rossett: a cashless catering system – which means that students do not need to carry money around school with them, and in the Resource Centre to enable students to take out and return library books.
Biometric is simply a method of identifying an individual person. We will be using an algorithm based scan, which reads between 50 and 130 points on the finger/thumb. It is not a fingerprint in any way, shape or form and is of use only in the school’s biometric system.
How does a Biometric System work?
The information of a student or member of staff who has been biometrically registered, is stored on a secure Biometric Controller within the school. Once an account is credited the student or member of staff places their finger/thumb on the EPOS Terminal, which looks up their account details and allows them to purchase food and drink and/or access library facilities using only this method of identification.
How does my child register on the Biometric System?
Provision will be made for new students to Rossett to register on the biometric system, once we have received permission from parents.
What methods of payment can be used to credit the cashless catering account?
Any amount can be credited to an account via the electronic secure online payment system – this allows parents/carers to make secure online payments using either a debit or credit card which will be credited to your child’s cashless catering account the following day. Information regarding the online payment system will be sent to you separately.
How can I check the credit on an account?
Once registered for online payments parents will have full access to all transactions. Students can also check their credit at the revaluation machine – the current balance is displayed when your child places their finger/thumb on to the machine.
Can I set a daily ‘spend limit’?
Yes – The daily ‘spend limit’ may be changed by written request by the parent/carer to the Finance Office via rsfinance@rs.rklt.co.uk
How does ‘free school meal’ entitlement work?
All ‘free school meal’ entitlements will be entered on to the cashless catering system which automatically allocates the appropriate accounts with the ‘free school meal’ amount on a daily basis. Students entitled to receive ‘free school meals’ will remain anonymous at all times as all account types are accessed in exactly the same way regardless as to whether paid for or not. Please note that any monies not spent from the daily ‘free school meal’ allocation will not be carried over to the next day. Parents may also add additional credit to these accounts if necessary.
Can anyone else use my child’s account?
No – due to the extensive security on biometric templates no other student will be able to access your child’s account.
Can I view a report of my child’s meal intake?
Yes – once registered for online payments, parents will have full access to all transactions including dietary habits.
What happens to my child’s biometric information when they leave Rossett?
When a student leaves Rossett their fingerprint algorithm is permanently deleted from the biometric systems.
How do I give consent for Biometrics?
To access the Parental Consent Form, please click here
