Duke’s Aldridge Academy uses a cashless catering system and does not accept cash at the till points. This system allows us to provide a more efficient, fast and improved quality of service.

The cashless system incorporates the latest technology and eliminates the need for the students to carry money throughout the day, increasing security in the academy. As it is operated on a biometric system, there is no requirement for your child to carry a card, as the system will recognise their finger/thumbprint. If you choose not to have your child registered on the Biometric System, we will issue them with a 4 digit PIN Code. Parents will be able to view detailed account statements online and see the daily meal choices made by their child.

You will be able to pay any money into your child’s account through the ParentPay, online payments system, and any spending on food and drink will be deducted on daily basis. If you aren’t able to pay online, you can make PayPoint payments by visiting any newsagents, convenience stores, supermarkets, garages and off-licences displaying the yellow and purple PayPoint sign – for more information see overleaf.

A daily ‘spend limit’ of £5.00 will be programmed into the system to ensure that students are not spending their allocated lunch money in one go. This limit can be increased or decreased for individual students by making a written request to our Finance Office.

As per current legislation we will be operating an ‘Opt In’ policy and therefore require you to complete the attached form. If you choose not to have your child registered on the Biometric System a 4 digit PIN Code will be allocated. Please note that PIN Codes do not have the same level of security and it will be your child’s responsibility to remember the code and keep it secure at all times.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Yvette Birchell on 0208 275 4804 or ybi@dukesacademy.org.uk