Biometric System Permission – 22nd October 2021

Dear Parent/Carer

Re: Biometric System Permission

To continue to support the development of our academy catering, we are introducing a biometric image system for students to be able to pay for food and refreshments in the academy’s restaurant. This will significantly increase the speed at which students can purchase their food, and supports the academy in its overall aim to be as cashless as possible. The system will link directly with our online payment system ParentPay.

The biometric recognition system works by looking at skin patterns on the finger or thumb. During the enrolment process the software captures a digital signature of your child’s fingertip or thumb, which is then broken down into data points, similar to reference points on a map.  The system then turns these into an alphanumeric string which is then encrypted and stored on the academy’s secure server.  As only an alphanumeric string is stored, the system is safe and secure and would be of no use to anyone except for the purposes for which the system is designed.

The academy does however require parental consent to allow us to capture the finger/thumb image needed to enrol students onto the system. Please, therefore, complete the online consent form consent form to confirm that you are happy for your son/daughter to enrol in this biometric system. Please complete the online consent form by Monday 1st November 2021.

If you do not complete this consent form, we will be unable to enrol your child onto the system.

If you have any concerns, or would like more details about the process described, please do not hesitate to contact our Academy Estates Manager, Mr Hurrell, kevin.hurrell@latrust.org.uk

Yours faithfully

 

Julia Collins
Principal