Using SMS for Absenteeism & Truancy Reporting
Educational institutions of all types can benefit from reporting on absentees, whether to parents of schoolchildren or sponsors of those in higher learning. Automated text messages can be sent to those not present at registration, parents can then respond acknowledging it as either authorised or not.
While there are a few instances where general businesses may benefit from such a use of SMS text messaging (for example, confirmation that an employee away on a course or at a conference has attended all the seminars that they were instructed to) it is predominantly aimed at Schools, FE Colleges and Universities. However it is by no means the only use of SMS within educational institutions…
Schools
Communication within schools is more important than ever, as is being able to cut costs in order to get the most out of the available budget. We have worked with schools all over the U.K. and have seen some great results, with reports of phone bills alone being reduced by 40%.
Communicate with Parents / Sponsors
Often the ability to get a message to a parent quickly can make all the difference. By collecting parents mobile phone numbers you can communicate important information to them instantly.
It could be information specific to their child, such as notification of illness, detention or even attainment. You could also have groups set up for parents of children in particular clubs or teams, informing them of upcoming matches, training or performances and even cancellations.
SMS has also been used to great effect replacing traditional phone chains, by texting all parents whose children are on a school trip instantly for just a few pence.
Equally text messages are the ideal way to inform parents en masse of severe weather closures.
Communicate with Staff
SMS can be a great way to communicate with your staff too. You can send bulletins and reminders to everyone as well as coordinate your non-teaching staff around the school grounds. If you organise your own supply staff you can even message them all simultaneously and immediately to check their availability.
Communicate with Students
Although in many cases mobile phones are banned in schools, more and more institutions are realising they cannot be policed and are choosing to use them to their advantage. You could use them to send reminders to students about clubs and societies as well as reminders about tests, exams or coursework.
Related Articles
How the Education Sector Can Benefit from SMS Messaging
The education sector can greatly benefit from the use of SMS messaging, as it can be a good way to build strong relationships with students, parents and also other members of staff. These are some of the ways to make good use of SMS messaging in the education sector.
SMS Messaging Improves Maths Performance in Schools
It’s now scientific fact. SMS messaging in schools can help improve maths scores and increase attendance. We know because of a yearlong study of thousands of secondary students across the UK. The key is increasing parent involvement. Learn how it was done, and how to use it in your school.
Supporting Parents and Children with Text Messages
Becoming a parent the first time is often overwhelming. To know what to do, we read books, search online, ask our family and friends. But even then it’s easy to suffer from information overload. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a simple checklist, or specific activities we could be told about on a regular basis via SMS?
How to Use SMS Messaging to Avoid False Hope Syndrome in 2017
False Hope Syndrome happens to nearly 90 % of the people who make New Year’s resolutions. People set grand, hopeful, but unreasonable goals for themselves. But if you can get yourself to focus on something specific you want to improve, SMS messaging can help you achieve it.
Universities and Summer Schools Use SMS to Keep Students Focused
It used to be you could skip a lecture or sleep late at university. But using the excuse you forgot about a session is about to become less believable than it already was. And it's all down to the ways educational institutions are using new technology to engage with students, mainly SMS.
Using SMS for Absenteeism & Truancy Reporting
SMS Marketing for Private Language Schools
Schools Turn to SMS Messaging for Contacting Parents
SMS messaging is proving to be an essential tool for communication between schools, students, parents and staff. SMS messages can be broadcast from schools to parents notifying them of sudden school closures for bad weather, changes of schedule for sporting events or transport delays. And much more too!
SMS Messaging to Kick Off Your Summer Kids Club
SMS Messaging for Profitable Playschools
Despite a greater than ever demand for playschool places, many sessions remain unfilled due to the varied hours that parents and carers choose to book, as well as other factors such as illness, holidays and routine appointments. Empty spaces are not just an inconvenience when it comes to staff scheduling - they are also valuable sales opportunities. So how can you make sure your nursery fills those empty spaces and maximises profits? The answer lies in SMS messaging.