Biometric Technology

Biometric information is information about a person’s physical or behavioural characteristics that can be used to identify them. Facial Recognition (FR) is a type of biometric that we use in various aspects of life, including:

Convenience: logging into computers and making payments for school meals

Security: unlocking phones, accessing secure buildings, and logging into accounts

Identification: faster check-ins at airports and hospitals

The software used in school, once a parent/carer has consented, captures a digital signature of the pupil’s face that is turned into an alphanumeric string, which is then encrypted and stored on our own school server. No one has access to this information, and the stored data can never be viewed as anything other than a string of numbers and letters, i.e. we do not store facial scan images!

Having used a biometric information system since November 2007 and now moving to facial recognition from this year, we know that the technology is both safe and reliable.  Please let us reassure you that information collected will be solely for school use and held on school systems only.

You should note that the law places specific requirements on schools when using personal information, such as biometric information, about pupils for the purposes of an automated biometric recognition system.

For example:

1. the school cannot use the information for any purpose other than those for which it was originally obtained and made known to the parent(s) (i.e. as stated above);
2. the school must ensure that the information is stored securely;
3. the school must tell you what it intends to do with the information;
4. unless the law allows it, the school cannot disclose personal information to another person/body.

Parental Consent

As stated above, in order to be able to use your child’s biometric information, the written consent of at least one parent/carer is required. However, consent given by one parent will be overridden if the other parent 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.

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.  This means if you give consent but later change your mind, you can withdraw this consent.  Please note that any consent, withdrawal of consent or objection from a parent must be in writing.

Even if you have consented, your child can object or refuse at any time to their biometric information being taken/used. Your child’s 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.

The school is also happy to answer any questions you or your child may have.

If you do not wish for 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 schools biometric recognition systems, which in this instance would be the provision of a pin number.

Please note that when your child leaves the school, or if for some other reason they cease to use the biometric system, their biometric data will be securely deleted.

Facial Recognition (FR) FAQs

If you have any concerns please contact the Data Manager on 0161 624 1484.