This guide outlines essential preparations for cashless catering systems in schools ahead of the new term. It emphasizes the importance of proactive planning to avoid disruptions during lunch services. Key actions include checking for any planned IT changes, such as modifications to the Management Information System (MIS) or ePayment providers, and ensuring that all necessary work is scheduled before the deadline of Friday, 18 July 2025. The document details specific disruptors that could affect service, including server migrations and network configuration changes. It also advises on updating Free School Meal allocations and capturing student fingerprints prior to their first day. Additional recommendations include powering on tills, ensuring operational readiness, and verifying the correct working day in the system. The guide encourages users to refer to product manuals for detailed instructions and to ensure access to the school calendar for accurate date management.