e+ PASS Proof of Age Card - Information for Schools

The e+ smartcard scheme has PASS accreditation, the nationally-recognised proof of age scheme, backed by the Home Office, ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) and Trading Standards.

The e+ PASS card is free and can be used by young people as a nationally-recognised proof of age. The PASS hologram is printed onto e+ cards for people aged 10-21 who have provided proof of their date of birth.

Cards can be issued to secondary school pupils by using data and images from SIMS exported securely to the e+ card bureau. This allows young people to access a proof of age card easily without having to show a passport or driving licence.

Why would parents want their child to get e+ for proof of age?

Parents can help protect their children by ensuring they have, carry and use their proof of age card
The PASS hologram is nationally recognised and advertised in every supermarket and off licence as part of the under 21 - prove it campaign
A lost e+ card is simple to replace unlike a passport or driving licence
The more young people who hold the card, the more traders will expect and ask for it, the less underage sales will occur

How would young people benefit from having an e+ proof of age card?

For anyone under 16 it enables access to half fares on the buses
It enables access to age related goods and services
The Odeon cinema in Bracknell actively welcomes use of the card for ensuring access to appropriate age related films whether over 12, over 15 or over 18
Peer pressure to break the rules or operate outside the Law diminishes when there is obvious proof of age availability

About licensed traders in Bracknell Forest

Traders are under increasing pressure to prove they have asked for proof of age for anyone under 21 buying age related goods or services.
As part of the Community Safety Strategy all traders licensed to sell cigarettes, alcohol and knives in the borough have been offered electronic e+ PASS card readers which read and convert the date of birth into the holder’s current age making checking simple.

What is the benefit if secondary schools order e+ PASS cards for their pupils?

It is much simpler to use the information from SIMS - no need for a young person to have a passport or driving licence nor search for a referee to join *
The school protects its pupils better when everybody has easy access to proof of age
When applying through a council service, applicants under age 16 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian but the school data is accepted by the PASS scheme so it is much quicker and easier

*e+ PASS cards are also available by joining a Bracknell Forest library or leisure centre or by applying for a card through council offices in Easthampstead House, Seymour House and Time Square. However, any applicant over age 12 requires photo proof of their identity and date of birth (photo driving licence or passport) or if they have none, they must ask a referee to complete a form to prove their age and identity. Applicants are often put off by the time and effort required to do this.

A note about parental consent

As the data is being used for educational purposes, notification can be sent that the school wishes to issue e+ cards and will imply consent and issue to those who want it unless a parental response of ‘I do not wish my child to receive an e+ proof of age card’ is returned.