04/12/2006

Stockport School Celebrates Success of Cashless Lunch System

A Stockport school is due to celebrate the first anniversary of the introduction of a new cashless system for lunches.

The award winning scheme has improved the efficiency of the dining experience at St. James' High School in Cheadle Hulme. The system works by pupils using a card instead of cash to pay for their lunch. This system has led to a 20 minute efficiency time saving at lunch time which has meant that more pupils can be catered for. The lunch counter layout has also been improved to allow a more efficient flow of customers.

The School Catering team from Solutions SK Ltd, Stockport Council's recently formed wholly owned company, has worked closely with the school to ensure the cashless system is a success. This has led to the scheme winning two local awards, one for 'Overall Team Performance' and the other for 'Innovation and Creativity' at the annual School Scene Awards Evening held in October. St. James' High School was also a finalist in the Blakemore Food Service Catering Team of the Year Awards recently, in the 'Cost Sector - Business Building' category.

To celebrate the success of the system, pupils, teaches and kitchen staff have raised £450 which will be donated to Asda's 'Tickled Pink Campaign'. A cheque will be presented to staff from the supermarket on Thursday 7th December.