Aberdeen City Council schools are now using a new system for school meals, called ParentPay, which is the online payment service for school meals. This system has been rolled out to all schools from January-March 2023.
ParentPay provides customers with a seamless school meal service enabling parents/ carers to make fast and effective cashless top ups for school meals at any time of the day, view meal selection and receive support and advice from ParentPay. All of this is accessed through a secure online ParentPay account.
Cash top-ups at the school are now no longer be available , therefore, it’s important that parents activate their ParentPay account as soon as possible to allow them to continue to pay for school meals.
Meal choices for all secondary pupils (including those in receipt of free school meals) can no longer be purchased using an Accord/ National Entitlement Card and can now be purchased over the counter using a PIN number.
Meal choices for all primary school pupils, can be pre-ordered for your child for up to three weeks in advance via the ParentPay online account. There will still be an option for your child to choose a meal in the classroom on the day, just as they currently do, however, we would encourage you to pre-order the meal via your account to assist with meal preparation and the smooth running of meal service.
Your child’s school will send you written communication and details on how to activate your ParentPay account. Once your account has been activated, for secondary school pupils, the school will provide you with further correspondence which contains a PIN number. Your child should use this PIN when purchasing school meals and snacks over the counter in the school canteen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I find out when my child’s school is moving to the new system?
Your school will notify you by letter.
How will my child get their PIN number?
Your child’s school will notify you by letter. My child has forgotten their PIN number Your child can speak with the school office directly to confirm their PIN.
How do I activate my ParentPay account?
How do I add a child to an existing ParentPay account?
What about my balance on my child’s current Accord/ National Entitlement card?
Accord card balances which are in credit will be transferred across to the new Parentpay account.
I’ve not received my child’s PIN?
Please contact your child’s school.
How do I cancel a meal I’ve ordered?
I’ve forgotten my log in details.
How do I pay via bank transfer?
Can I set up my balance to top up automatically?
How do I know when the balance is running low?
Can I view my transaction history?
I have a question about an online top-up, who do I raise this with?
The school or use parent help screen on their ParentPay page.
I don’t think the balance on my child's account is correct, who do I raise this with?
Contact the school who can access the individual record and pupil statement which shows money in and money out of each payment item.
My child has left school and I want a refund of the balance, who do I raise this with?
Contact the school who will progress the request.