Lymm High School uses facial recognition technology for staff and students to purchase items from our cashless cafeteria. This technology helps speed up service at our six food serveries across the school site.
How the technology works
When a student looks at the camera, the software will read key features (e.g., distance between facial features) and compare this against the database of registered users. When it finds a match, the facial recognition technology converts physical characteristics into a unique digital signature that can be used to quickly and securely locate your child’s cashless catering account.
The facial recognition data from your child is referred to as ‘biometric information’. This is data about a person that can be used to identify them. The school would like to take and use this biometric information for the purpose of providing your child with access to our cashless catering system. You should note that the law places specific requirements on schools when using biometric information. For example:
- The school cannot use the information for any purpose other than those for which it was originally obtained and made known to the parent/carer (i.e., as stated above).
- The school must ensure that the information is stored securely.
- The school must tell you what it intends to do with the information.
- Unless the law allows it, the school cannot disclose personal information to another person/body – you should note that the only person/body that the school wishes to share the information with is CRB Cunninghams, the supplier of the school cashless catering service. This is necessary in order to support the system software on the secure database.
Providing your consent/objection
Under the Data Protection Act 2018, we are required to notify each parent/carer of a child and obtain the written consent of at least one parent/carer before being able to use a child’s biometric information for an automated system. However, consent given by one parent/carer will be overridden if the other parent/carer objects in writing to the use of their child’s biometric information.
Similarly, if your child objects to this, the school cannot collect or use their biometric information for inclusion on the automated recognition system. Even if you have consented, your child can object or refuse at any time to their biometric information being taken/used. Their objection does not need to be in writing. We would appreciate it if you could discuss this with your child and explain to them that they can object to this if they wish.
You can also object to the proposed processing of your child’s biometric information at a later stage or withdraw any consent you have previously given. Please note that any consent, withdrawal of consent or objection from a parent/carer must be in writing and addressed to Mrs Helen Stevens, Data Protection Officer.
If you do not wish your child’s biometric information to be processed by the school, or your child objects to such processing, the law says that we must provide reasonable alternative arrangements for children who are not going to use the automated system to access our cashless cafeteria.
In society, facial recognition is becoming increasingly popular due to its ease of use and minimal physical interaction. Smart phone users use the technology to unlock their mobile devices, gain access to online banking, and even authorise payments. As a widely used and accepted method of identification, we hope parents/carers can provide consent and complete the attached form.