WILMSLOW High School has turned to fingertip technology to eliminate the need for library cards.

The school plans to implement a fingerprint recognition system in its learning and resource centre in the New Year following a successful trial which took place during the summer.

Staff say it will remove the need for library cards and problems of forgotten or stolen passes.

Schools across Cheshire and South Manchester are thought to use the technology which involves digital scanning of pupils’ fingerprints so they can get school meals and borrow books from the library.

The technology matches up fingerprints with a code and can be used to check the identity of the child.

Head teacher Gill Bremner says all the codes are kept internally and the technology is used to speed up school services.

She said: "The Identikit fingerprint recognition system looks at skin patterns on the finger or thumb.

"The software captures a digital signature of the child’s fingertip or thumb which is then broken down into data points, similar to the reference points on a map.

"The system then turns these into an alpha numeric string which is then encrypted and stored on our secure school server.

"As only an alpha numeric string and no images of fingerprints are stored, the system is safe and secure and would be of no use to anyone except for the purposes for which the system is designed."

But while the biometric technology is not new to schools or nurseries in the area, one parent, who does not want to be identified, has claimed that it is "morally wrong" and will not allow his daughter to use the technology.

He said: "This sort of technology has made us a surveillance society.

"The school says it is exciting, but it is a step in the wrong direction as far as I’m concerned.

"Who knows what this technology will be used for at a later stage.

"Libraries have managed and still manage without this and I believe the money could be spent on better things."

The school has sent a letter out to parents informing them of the changes and giving them the option to opt out of the system.

Those children whose parents choose not to let them use the technology will continue to use the old card system.

The equipment has been provided by a technology company which specialises in providing security to schools.