Border Telegraph | News | Cash is no longer king for school meals

Friday, 25th July, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 7th May, 2008 12:00

Cash is no longer king for school meals

By David O'Leary

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Cash transactions could be a thing of the past in school canteens

THE DAYS of schoolchildren standing with their hands out asking for lunch money may be over.

A new scheme has been agreed in principal by Scottish Borders Council, which will allow students to pay for school meals using their National Entitlement Cards.

The scheme will be first introduced in Peebles High School before being implemented in the council’s nine other high schools.

Various councils throughout Scotland have already successfully introduced cashless catering into their schools.

The system means that parents will no longer need to find the cash for school meals on a daily basis, instead they can send in a cheque or cash in advance.

The scheme will also allow parents to set spending limits for meals and snacks, and the accounts can be topped-up via the Council’s website as well as in person.

It is also probable that cash-loaders will be installed in schools to allow pupils to top up their accounts with cash.

Students entitled to free school meals use the same type of card as everyone else, the computer automatically credits the cost of a two-course meal to their account, this means that at the point of sale it is not possible to tell who gets free meals and who doesn't.

The system will also encourage healthier eating choices for the pupils, as there are plans to introduce a rewards system for choosing healthy options from the menu.

Councillor Catriona Bhatia believes that the use of this technology will greatly benefit pupils in a number of ways.

She said: “One key aspect of this is its anonymity. Any pupils who receive free meals need not be worried about any stigma attached because everyone will be treated the same at the cash register.

“Also, the data relating to the pupils purchases can be analysed and any healthy choices made can be further expanded using special offers.”

Depute Rector of Peebles High School, Paul Fagan, highlighted another positive aspect that the scheme offers, as being the opportunity for the pupils to learn about managing and budgeting their money.

He added, “This is a major step forward and a really positive scheme. It will also reduce serving by up to 75%, at present pupils can queue for up to 15-20mins, which is not ideal after a morning spent learning.”

“The data not only allows us to see who’s using the canteen but also who’s not. This offers us the chance to be more specific when educating the pupils on the benefits of healthy eating.”

Frances Renton, SBC’s Children’s Champion said: “I’m very supportive of the use of this new technology.

“One of the key elements that I see is a reduction in bullying, due to the pupils not carrying as much money on them. This system should make it safer and easier for all concerned.”

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