Cashless catering FAQs
What is a cashless system?
A Cashless Catering System is a solution which is purpose designed to meet the ever evolving needs and demands of the catering provision, required by today’s schools and academies. The Trust-e Cashless Solution allows schools to be better able to provide their students and staff with a faster, more efficient and more appealing meal service.
What methods of payment can be used to credit an account?
Any amount can be credited to an account. Once an account has been credited, the monies cannot be withdrawn and must be spent on the school meal/break services. Accounts can be topped up by either of the methods below:
Cash at the Revaluation Units
A Revaluation unit will be sited within the school. This can be used to top up accounts by the pupil/member of staff placing their registered finger or thumb on the Biometric Reader or by entering their 4 digit PIN Code followed by inserting the accepted tender: £20, £10, £5 notes or £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p or 5p coins. Please note that copper coins are not accepted. There will only be one of these units therefore the preferred method is SIMS Pay.
Online Payments (Preferred method)
We have introduced online payments in partnership with the Cashless Catering Solution. To make a payment online please log into your ParentPay account. If you need assistance with accessing or activating your account please email Finance@rmgs.org.uk with the student details.
Can I change my child’s ‘daily spend limit?’
Yes – the amount your child can spend throughout one day can be changed by written request to the finance office at the school. The current limit set is £7.50 maximum per day.
What happens if my child’s account is not in credit?
A ‘lend’ can be processed by the school office which will then allow a meal to be taken. This will show as a negative balance on the account and will automatically be taken from any future credit added.
How do ‘free meal’ entitlements work?
All free meal entitlements will be entered on to the system prior to the ‘live’ day. The Cashless Catering System will, on a daily basis, automatically allocate the appropriate accounts with the free school meal amounts (enough for a main mean and dessert). Pupils with FSM entitlement remain anonymous at all times as all account types are accessed in the exact same manner, regardless of whether paid for or not. Please note that any monies not spent from the daily free meal allocation will not be carried over to the next day.