The Biometric System

The biometric system is an automated recognition of information held on your child. This is not your child’s fingerprint but rather a series of numbers created from your child’s fingerprint. A fingerprint scanner system has two basic jobs - it needs to obtain an image of a finger, and then determine whether the pattern of ridges and valleys in this image matches the pattern of ridges and valleys in pre-scanned images.

Only specific characteristics, which are unique to every fingerprint, are filtered and saved as an encrypted biometric key or mathematical representation. No image of a fingerprint is ever saved, only a series of numbers (a binary code), which is used for verification. The algorithm cannot be reconverted to an image, so no one can duplicate your child’s fingerprint.

The law places specific requirements on school’s when using student’s personal information, such as biometric information, for the purposes of an automated biometric recognition system.

For example:

a)         The school cannot use the information for any purpose other than those for which it was originally obtained and made known to the parent/carers (i.e. catering)
b)        The school must ensure that the information is stored securely;
c)         The school must tell you what it intends to do with the information;
d)        Unless the law allows it, the school cannot disclose personal Information to any third party.
e)         Your child’s biometric information will only be shared with the supplier of the biometric system. This is necessary in order to set it up.

Cash is not accepted in the Canteen. Payment will only be accepted by Biometric finger printing or pin. If you do not wish your child’s biometric information to be processed by the school, or your child objects
to such processing, we will issue them with a Pin number which is verified with their name and photo on the till points. Your money or the Free School Meal allocation will be automatically credited to this pin

If you give consent to the processing of your child’s biometric information, please indicate that on the form below.

Please note that when your child leaves the school, or if for some other reason they cease to use the biometric system, their biometric data will be securely deleted