Transforming School Catering with Cashless POS

Overview 

Laurel Park School is a secondary school in North London, part of the Enfield Learning Trust. With over 1,000 students receiving hot meals daily, the school’s catering team plays a vital role in supporting healthy eating, inclusion and wellbeing. 

In 2023, the school partnered with ParentPay Group to implement its BlueRunner solution—modernising catering operations through a fully integrated cashless point-of-sale (POS) system and digital pre-ordering. The goal was to reduce queues, improve visibility, and create a calmer, more inclusive lunchtime experience—especially for students with additional needs. 

We spoke with Kerry McCarthy, Catering Manager, about how BlueRunner has helped transform service delivery and reduce pressure on frontline teams. 

Challenge 

Before BlueRunner, Laurel Park’s catering team faced long queues, limited visibility of meal choices, and pressure on staff during peak service times. Students with additional needs were particularly affected—struggling with noise, uncertainty and the speed of decision-making at the counter. 

We had long queues, and some students didn’t cope well with the noise and the pressure. Others didn’t know what was on offer and would miss out.
— Kerry McCarthy, Catering Manager 

The school needed a solution that could streamline service, improve communication and give students more control—while reducing the operational burden on staff. 

Solution 

Laurel Park School implemented BlueRunner’s cashless POS system, enabling students to pay for meals quickly and securely without cash. Each student is issued a unique QR code, which they scan at the till to instantly access their account and complete transactions. This has significantly reduced queue times and improved flow through the dining hall. 

Students can now see what’s available and choose in advance. It’s made a big difference, especially for those who need more structure and reassurance.
— Kerry McCarthy, Catering Manager 

The system also integrates with digital pre-ordering, allowing students to select meals in advance via a mobile app or online portal. The platform supports allergen tracking, menu visibility and reporting—giving staff greater confidence in compliance and planning. Parents can view menus and support their children in making choices, while catering teams benefit from clearer forecasting and reduced waste. 

Impact 

Laurel Park School has seen measurable improvements in both student experience and operational efficiency since adopting BlueRunner. 

• Faster service and improved student experience: Queue times have dropped significantly, and students—especially those with additional needs—feel more confident and prepared. 

• QR code integration: Students use unique QR codes to access their accounts and complete transactions quickly at the till—reducing delays and improving flow. 

• Streamlined operations and error reduction: Cashless payments and pre-ordering have simplified workflows, reduced manual input and improved accuracy. 

• Enhanced reporting and reliability: Real-time data on meal choices and transactions supports better planning, compliance and decision-making. 

• Parental engagement: Families can support meal selection and stay informed about food options and allergens. 

• Staff wellbeing: The catering team reports lower stress levels and more time to focus on food quality and service. 

It’s taken the pressure off. We’re not firefighting—we’re planning.
— Kerry McCarthy, Catering Manager 

Conclusion 

Laurel Park School has transformed its catering service with BlueRunner. The system supports inclusion, efficiency and wellbeing—helping the school deliver nutritious meals in a calm, structured and student-friendly environment. 

BlueRunner has helped us create a better experience for everyone. It’s simple, effective and built for schools like ours.
— Kerry McCarthy, Catering Manager