Cashless at Sebright  

Reasons for going cashless Efficiency Queues Security Accounted cash   Efficiency Queues Security Accounted cash Payment flexibility

Cashless at Sebright   We first communicated the new procedures to staff (email) and parents (formal letter) and advertised our ‘go live’ date. Formal letter Newsletter Website pop up Text messages Posters

Cashless at Sebright   SCO Pay accounts – we decided how our parents would access their accounts (link via school website, SCO Pay app) and tested all methods so we were fully prepared to assist with queries and trouble-shooting. Checked & tested access via School website Mobile phone Tablet devices

Cashless at Sebright   Non SCO Pay users – We contacted any families (and staff) without accounts and supported them to register *Consider installing device/terminal in foyer for parents to access online account

Cashless Income   Dinners – We created T&C’s for payments due and installed Classroom Edition modules for quick, easy and accurate coding/charging Extended Schools (Breakfast club, Extended Day Care and after school clubs) – We decided application processes, created T&C’s (two week advance payments, set days, notice to leave etc.) and liaised with our extended schools coordinators so they knew the new procedures too Uniform – We audited our existing stock and created new products on SCO Pay Other income – We made full use of the ‘Trips and events’ and ‘Orders’ tab on SCO Pay which can be used to set up regular items such as fees for school trips, swimming, summer school, Santa’s grotto etc.

If you are considering going cashless A reduction in risks for income and collection (accountability, accuracy, safety etc.) is a benefit but the accompanying drawback is an increase in bank reconciliations. We decided not to make our tuck shop cashless as it provides an opportunity for the children to practice money handling and mental arithmetic. Nurture a good relationship with your software provider and ensure your admin team are confident users of the software Continually communicate to parents and staff what the schools intentions are when starting a process like this and to be clear and open at each stage as you go along.  Ask for account holders feedback and test the software with ‘dummy accounts’  

Going Cashless and Paperless at   Going Cashless and Paperless at the same time If you are going to make a big change like going cashless it may be practical to use this as an opportunity to scrutinise your admin/parent interactions and communication. We decided to go cashless and paperless at the same time.  Letters – emails/texts Newsletters – website/emails

Other approaches we have implemented: Going paperless Lettings Use of framework agreements Photocopiers Late fees for parents Site teams working across the Federation ICT Development plan Marketing agency   jshamji@sebright.hackney.sch.uk