Dear GA Families

Exciting News!

Starting September 2023, all payments for various school activities will be conveniently processed through MCAS - My Child at School.  With MCAS, you can now handle payments effortlessly in one place.  Whether it's paying for your child's trip, adding funds to their food balance for the Food Pods and Canteen, or purchasing resources or replacement House badges, it's all available at your fingertips.  This remarkable advancement is another stride towards making MCAS the ultimate destination for accessing comprehensive information about your child's school life at Gloucester Academy.

Simplify your payment processes and stay updated with MCAS!

FAQ’s

Q: What will occur with my child's existing balance?

A: Your child's current balance will be transferred to MCAS, the new system we are implementing. Rest assured that their balance will be seamlessly moved over to MCAS, ensuring a smooth transition. From September 2023 onwards, any further top-ups or additions to your child's balance will be managed exclusively through MCAS. We strive to make this transition as seamless as possible and appreciate your understanding during this process. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

 

Q: Will I have the ability to monitor my child's food purchases?

A: Absolutely! Through MCAS, you will have the convenience of viewing the items that have been purchased by your child at the Food Pods and Canteen. This feature allows you to stay informed about their food choices and ensures transparency regarding their eating habits while at school.

MCAS provides a user-friendly interface that grants you access to this information, empowering you to stay connected with your child's school life. We believe this feature will be valuable in promoting healthy eating habits and fostering open communication between parents and students.

 

Q: What is the reason behind Gloucester Academy transitioning from Parent Pay to MCAS?

A: Gloucester Academy has made the decision to switch to MCAS (My Child at School) in order to enhance the communication and usability for parents when it comes to making payments for trips, food and drinks, and resources.  MCAS provides a more comprehensive platform that allows for improved interaction and convenience for parents. By migrating to MCAS, we aim to streamline the payment process and offer a more user-friendly experience, ensuring that parents have easy access to important information regarding their child's school life.  We believe that this transition will greatly benefit our parents and enhance their overall engagement with the school.

 

Q: Will my Parent Pay Account still be active after the switch to MCAS?

A: The status of your Parent Pay Account will depend on whether you have other children who are not attending Gloucester Academy on the account. If you have children from other schools linked to your Parent Pay Account, you can continue to use it as usual to manage their funds.

However, if you only have Gloucester Academy student(s) on your Parent Pay Account, the child accounts associated with it will be removed when we transition to MCAS. In this case, you will have the option to close your Parent Pay Account.  We hope this clarifies any confusion regarding the status of your Parent Pay Account during the transition to MCAS.

 

Q: What should I do if I have a remaining balance in my Parent Account on Parent Pay?

A: If you have a balance in your Parent Account on Parent Pay, it is important to note that Gloucester Academy does not hold this money. To withdraw your remaining balance, please follow the guide link provided on the Parent Pay website.

The guide will provide you with detailed instructions on how to initiate the withdrawal process and ensure that you receive the funds back into your account. We recommend accessing the guide promptly to complete the necessary steps for withdrawing your balance from Parent Pay.

Guide Link

 

Q: Why am I being requested to make payments on Bromcom before September 2023?

A: The reason behind requesting payments on Bromcom prior to September 2023 is that we may need to start collecting payments for trips or events that are scheduled for the next academic year. While it is not yet September 2023, early collection of these payments allows us to better organise and plan for these activities in advance.  We understand that this may seem unusual, but it helps ensure a smooth process and enables us to make necessary arrangements for the upcoming events. Your cooperation in making these payments on Bromcom is greatly appreciated as we strive to provide the best experiences for our students.

Yours sincerely

Mrs P Lewis

Headteacher