Flooding, Snow, Swine Flu, Power Cuts and Transport Chaos among other disruptions create unplanned headaches for schools. When such events occur, parents need accurate and detailed information and information that may need updating by the hour.
The NAHT would like to recommend the Parent Hotline – a simple solution to an everyday problem. A simple low cost call to the helpline will update a parent on any number of issues; Is the school open? Has the trip arrived safely? Is the match on? What is the latest flu news? Are the after school clubs on? Is the coach on time?
The school simply dials the service from any phone, enters a pin number and leaves a voice message. The messages can be detailed and up to 5 minutes in length and can be updated as often as needed. The line is never engaged, it’s available to all parents and messages can even be repeated in other languages, providing a truly inclusive service. It even works during a power cut!
It is not designed to replace more sophisticated school communication systems, but will enhance these by offering greater flexibility, inclusivity and certainty for parents. It will also provide smaller schools a cost effective alternative, that’s simple to set up and run.
About Parent Hotline
The NAHT have been working with Community Alerts for over 3 years and have supported their messaging service for school trips. There is normally a one-off set up fee of £100 but for NAHT members this fee will be reduced by 50% for all schools registering before the end of July 2010.
To set up, email register@parenthotline.co.uk or call 08700 624 919. Parent Hotline will undertake all the work and set up your school ready for the new school year. The service is extremely easy to operate and takes just a couple of minutes to master – full support is provided
