8 top tips for getting more parents signed in to the app
A strong enrolment rate helps schools get the greatest value from ReachMoreParents. The more parents and carers who download and use the app, the easier it becomes to keep families informed, reduce missed messages and encourage greater engagement.
It can also save valuable staff time. When more parents receive and read updates through ReachMoreParents, schools can spend less time repeating information, answering routine queries and following up with families who have missed important communications.
1. Send enrolment invitations regularly
We recommend sending enrolment invitations weekly for the first four to six weeks after launch.
Friday is often a good day to send them, as it gives parents and carers the weekend to download the app and complete their enrolment.
Continue to monitor enrolment levels and focus additional support on families who have not yet signed up.
2. Explain the benefits to parents
Parents are more likely to enrol when they understand what ReachMoreParents is, why the school is using it and how it will benefit them.
Be clear about the information and services that will be available through the app, such as school updates, calendar dates, forms and absence reporting.
Let families know that ReachMoreParents will be the main place to receive important school information.
3. Make ReachMoreParents your primary communication channel
Where possible, avoid duplicating the same information across several different channels.
When parents know that ReachMoreParents is the primary place for school updates, they are more likely to enrol, check the app regularly and continue using it.
Using multiple channels for the same message can create confusion and may encourage parents to wait for information to arrive elsewhere. A clear and consistent approach helps families understand where they need to look.
4. Share guidance and promotional materials
Use the available promotional materials to introduce the app before and during launch.
This could include:
- Putting posters up around the school
- Sharing the parent app walkthrough
- Sending simple guidance on how to download and access the app
- Explaining what parents can expect to receive through ReachMoreParents
- Reminding families that the app will become an important part of the school’s communication
You can find ready-to-use materials in ReachMoreParents: Promotional Resources & Assets, along with the parent app walkthrough to help families get started.
5. Involve pupils
Encourage pupils to remind at least one parent or carer to download the app.
You could turn this into a class or form competition, with a reward for the first group to reach 100% enrolment — meaning every pupil in that class or form has at least one parent or carer signed up to the app.
Some schools also make this a homework task or offer individual rewards, such as house points, when a parent or carer completes their enrolment.
This can be a simple but effective way to build momentum and encourage pupils to support the launch.
6. Reinforce the message through the school office
Consistency across the school makes a real difference.
When parents visit or contact the office for information that is available through the app, such as calendar dates, forms or absence reporting, staff should remind them to use ReachMoreParents.
Where possible, offer to help parents download and access the app there and then. A few minutes of support at the start can prevent repeated queries later.
7. Use school events as enrolment opportunities
Parents’ evenings, school fairs, discos and other events are a good opportunity to speak directly with families who have not yet enrolled.
Consider setting up a small enrolment point supported by a member of staff. Using a list of pupils who do not yet have a primary carer enrolled allows staff to offer targeted support and help families download and set up the app during the event.
8. Keep the message consistent
The most successful schools make ReachMoreParents part of their everyday communication.
Regular reminders, clear explanations and support from staff will help parents understand that the app is the main place to stay informed and connected with the school.
A consistent approach not only improves enrolment, but also reduces missed messages, limits avoidable follow-up and saves staff time.