Bexley Grammar School is a specialist language college
which has a solid reputation for academic excellence coupled with strong values.
Bexley Grammar School uses BioStore with their Impact
cashless catering system supplied by BioStore Platinum Partner, Cunninghams EPoS
Solutions.
We asked Ann Gibbs, the Business Manager, a few
questions about whether the system had been a success.
Q. How long have you had the Cunninghams cashless
catering system?
Since March 2009.
Q. What were the reasons for installing the system?
Our cashier was retiring and I thought it was
an ideal time to bring in the new system. We took over the catering in
house about 2 ½ years ago and also wanted to reduce the length of time
the pupils queued.
Q. In what ways has the Cunninghams cashless catering
system benefitted Bexley Grammar School/how has it improved the day-to-day
running of the catering services you provide?
The turnover for school catering has increased
by about 25% - up £7000 in March 2010 over March 2009! By having
‘virtual’ money rather than cash, students aren’t tempted to spend their
lunch money on other things. 1p meal deals, funded by a lunch grant,
have been really successful, giving students the opportunities to try
new things which they then get a taste for! The canteen staff do not
have to worry about cash floats or banking. We also save on our G4
security collections. It has also hopefully helped to stop bullying and
does not discriminate pupils who have free school meal.
Q. How have you found the biometrics?
Absolutely fine – no problems at all. Some
older pupils were reluctant at first, but many more have signed up since
we started, especially when the 1p meal deals began. The pupils got used
to system very quickly and all of our staff use it as well.
Q. Would you consider extending the biometric system
to include other systems such as e-registration, door access or library,
print/copy?
Yes, we plan to introduce it in to our Library after April.
Q. Are there any other comments you would like to
make?
It was quite a struggle for me to get our
Governors and parents to bring this system in. However, we have had no
complaints from parents and we will make a profit this year as opposed
to a large loss last year, so I feel really pleased that I won my
battle! My Head Cook absolutely loves the system, and so do the rest of
the catering team.
For more information, please contact :
info@biostore.co.uk