School pupils given ID cards

Connor Nolan and Catherine Ayres, both Year 10 pupils prove their age with their new ValidateUK identification cards

Proving how old you are has never been simpler thanks to new ID cards that have been issued to young people at Oulder Hill Community School and Language College, Rochdale.

The school has joined forces with Rochdale Borough Council’s trading standards team to ensure that age-restricted goods are only sold to those old enough to buy them. It also helps those who may look younger than they are to prove their age.

Andy Glover, Public Protection Manager at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We’re working hard to create a culture in the borough in which local retailers always request proof of age and only accept correct forms of ID to curb underage sales of alcohol, cigarettes and knives. Similarly, young people should expect to be asked for ID.”

The cards have been introduced as part of the council’s plan to implement the Responsible Retailer Scheme. Retailers that have signed up to the scheme have promised to ask for proof of age before selling any age-restricted products such as alcohol, knives and cigarettes to a customer.

Andy Glover went on to say: “No ID means no sale – so by abiding by these rules, retailers are accepting their social responsibilities to protect the health and safety of children and young people.

Over 470 students in years 9 and 10 at Older Hill will get their ID cards for free. This is the second time that the council has applied for the ID cards on behalf of pupils.

The school used the students’ annual class photographs to apply for the proof of age cards from Validate. Students were presented with their new ID cards by trading standards, who also explained how important it is for young people to carry the cards at all times.

Mrs Margaret Dudley, Headteacher at Oulder Hill Community School, said: “The cards will prove to be especially useful during the school holidays. Many of our students have in the past had trouble paying for child priced travel fares and gaining entry to age restricted films at the cinema.

“But more importantly it sends a clear message out, that without appropriate ID they will not be able to buy products if they are not old enough, so there’s not point in trying.”

Councillor Dale Mulgrew, cabinet member responsible for community safety at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Providing students with a genuinely recognised form of identification at an early age prepares and equips them for when they’re asked to show ID, which is fast becoming standard in many retail establishments across the borough.”