There’s no doubt that smartphones and other mobile devices have transformed the way we communicate in modern society. It’s made us a lot more open to new ideas and different ways of staying in touch.

That’s why school apps for parents have become a lot more popular over the last few years. Here we take a closer look at what these smart apps do and their benefits for busy parents.

What is a School App?

There are literally millions of different apps that you can download to your smartphone. We have them for games, watching TV, social media and staying in touch by text or email. School apps take the concept of the traditional school website and move it to the next level.

You have more immediate communication with parents via a school app and can use it to transform that particular relationship in many ways. The great news is that the app can be tailored to your specific needs and help you take a more holistic and efficient approach to all school communication.

What Are the Benefits of School Apps for Parents?

There is no doubt that being able to communicate better with parents is a strong focus for Ofsted and schools in general. The more that parents are involved in the processes of your school, the better engaged they are and the more likely the education needs of pupils are met.

But what does a dedicated school app provide for parents? Here are just a few advantages:

  • Instant notification: You can send targeted and blanket messages to parents in the form of notifications that appear immediately on their phones. This can be used to remind them of upcoming events, inform parents when there may be a problem such as the school closing due to inclement weather and many other forms of communication.
  • It keeps parents in touch: Because the app is there on the phone, all parents need to do is tap on the icon to access the information they need. For example, you can make important documentation, timetables and other details readily available at the touch of a button.
  • You can use it for a variety of tasks: You might want to provide online payment or parent booking systems for a whole range of school activities. Parents can even use the app to report sickness and absence, saving them and you time and effort. You can also send private and secure messages to parents.
  • Highlight school successes and get parents more involved: Searching for a website is an active process, which means parents have to do more to access your site. With an app, you can send notifications about school activities and success and parents can open up your app with a simple tap on the screen. All this creates a stronger connection with parents and makes them more likely to and more confident about getting involved.

The development of technology over the last decade or so has helped revolutionise many parts of our lives. With a dedicated school app, parents can now stay in touch really easily and play an active part in their children’s education.

If you have been considering including a school app in your communication strategy, contact the expert team at Parentapps today to find out more.