iPayimpact will make it easier to check the balance on school meal accounts; add credit; pre-order food, including those eligible for free school meals; and it will allow parents to record whether or not their child is taking a packed lunch, school meal, or is going home for lunch.
The new payment system will work alongside an upgraded current cashless catering system and will enable parents and carers to set up automated payments to ensure their child’s account has adequate funds.
Secondary school pupils will be able to pre-order their food via an app and by using their National Entitlement Card or PIN number in school.
The Council’s Policy Lead for Commercial Services, Councillor Gary Mulvaney, said: “As well as making it easier to keep on top of your child’s account, one of the main benefits of iPayimpact is that it gives you and your child control of menu choices at a click of a button. The system also provides endless opportunities and we hope to roll out other payment options in the near future.”
A number Argyll and Bute schools will pilot the new service, before the council rolls it out to all schools in the area.