Education caterers AiP retains two contracts worth £1 million

Arrow Vale High School in Redditch, Worcestershire has renewed their catering contract with AiP for a further three years to roll over from the start of the new academic year. As part of the drive AiP will be investing in a Nationwide Retail System's (NRS) biometric cashless system as part of a drive to get more pupils eating healthily. The cashless system will be operational from June/July at Arrow Vale High School. AiP managing director David Weller said: "We have excellent feedback from all 20 schools that have had the cashless systems installed over the past few years." "It is one of the many infrastructure changes we are instigating with the school in order to drive down costs and improve efficiency levels; we are all looking forward to embarking on the contract extension and continuing our successes." AiP will also be introducing new menus and trialing new ingredients to enhance the dining hall experience for staff and pupils. Meanwhile the second contract retained for a further five years to the value of £750,000, is Feltham Community College in Middlesex, who have worked in partnership with AiP for nine years to date. Feltham Community College and AiP will also be investing in a new NRS biometric cashless system to improve the order and payment of school meals and to streamline administration costs and time management. David Paylor head of Trust-e Cashless Systems, NRS, said: "I feel that together we can provide the schools with an excellent 'Total Solution'. Using our Trust-e Cashless System AiP is able to monitor the choices students make for their lunch, ensuring the best possible catering service within the school. "The system also reduces queuing times ensuring all students requiring a lunch are able to move through the service. With multiple options for identification and anonymous Free School Meals the 'Total Solution' gives schools optimal proficiency and results."