Alternative communication methods allow school staff to share important messages with parents through other available channels when in-app delivery is not possible. These options become available when a message is sent from the ReachMoreParents platform and one or more parent users in the recipient group cannot be reached.
Parent users who have never downloaded the parent app or have not logged in recently are classified as inactive users. When this occurs, the system will flag them during the message-sending process. The platform identifies any inactive parents or carers and displays the alternative communication methods available for each.
The number and type of alternative options depend on the contact information stored in the system. As these details are synced from your school’s MIS, we recommend ensuring that both email addresses and mobile phone numbers are accurate and up to date. This will provide more flexibility when communicating with parents who cannot be reached via the app.
Who can Send a Message via Alternative Methods?
By default, school users in the following system roles will have permission to create and send a message:
- System Administrator
- School Administrator
- Senior Leadership Team Member
- Content Manager
- Teacher
- SENDCO
System Administrators have the ability to change the system permissions. Should you have difficulty accessing any of the features outlined in the steps below, please contact your school's System Administrator.
Why Should I Send a Message via Alternative Methods?
Using alternative methods helps ensure that all parents receive important school communications, even if some are unable to access messages through the ReachMoreParents app. The feature is designed to target only those parents who have been flagged as inactive users, meaning active users continue to receive messages through the app as usual.
By sending messages via alternative methods, schools can maintain inclusive and effective communication with their parent community, ensuring that essential information reaches every family without duplicating messages or over-contacting active users.
How do I Send Messages via Alternative Methods?
The steps below explain how to contact inactive parents or carers with important messages using alternative communication methods. Before proceeding, please ensure you have read and completed the steps in the Sending a Simple Message guide.
Alternative methods can only be used after you have drafted your in-app message and clicked 'Send.' Once this step is completed, the system will identify any inactive recipients and present the available alternative communication options.
Click below to watch our video guide:
Sometimes, when sending a message in ReachMoreParents, the following screen may appear. This indicates that one or more recipients cannot receive the message because they have either never logged in to the parent app or have not done so recently. These parents are identified by the system as 'inactive carers.' When this occurs, you will see a prompt offering the option to use 'Alternative Methods' to communicate with these recipients.
If this message shows, please follow the instructions below to explore alternative ways to reach recipients with your message.
1) Click 'Alternative Methods' to explore alterative methods of communication.
2) Your system will automatically choose the best alternative method of communication for each recipient based on the contact details available in your platform. If the pre-selected methods needs to be amended, you will need to select the appropriate box(es) in the table to choose your preferred method(s) of communication for each recipient.
Please see the steps below to find out more on how to send your message via email, SMS or print copy.
To opt to send your message via email
1) To send your message via email, select the 'email' box next to the recipient(s) within the 'Alternative Options' table. This will instruct the system to send your message via email.
To opt to send your message via SMS
1) To send your message via SMS, select the 'Mobile' box next to the recipient(s) within the 'Alternative Options' table. This will instruct the system to send a message to the recipient via SMS.
*Please be aware that sending SMS messages through ReachMoreParents will incur an additional charge. By selecting mobile numbers in the 'Mobile' column, you are authorising the system to send SMS messages to any selected number(s).
2) Type your SMS message in the 'SMS Content' box.
*Please be aware that you are limited to 160 characters per message segment. If your message exceeds 160 characters and runs over into a second or third message segment, you will incur further charges.
To opt to send your message via print copy
1) To send your message via print copy, select the 'Print Copy' box next to the recipient(s) within the 'Alternative Options' table. This will instruct the system to generate a PDF file containing your original message which can be printed off and sent out to each recipient.
2) To download your print copies, scroll down and click 'Create Print Version(s).'
3) Click 'Download File.'
4) Print copies can now be opened from your downloads and printed off, ready to be sent to your recipients.
To send your message
Click 'Send with Changes' to send any emails or SMS. For any recipients needing print copies of your communication, please ensure you print off the PDF file from within your downloads and send to the appropriate recipients.
Top Tips on using Alternative Methods of Communication
1. Keep parent contact details up to date
Make sure all parental email addresses are accurate in your school’s MIS. This ensures that if you need to reach parents using an alternative communication method, you can do so in the most cost-effective way.
2. Manage SMS costs
If you need to send SMS messages, try to keep them within the character limit to minimise costs.
3. Send printed messages promptly
If you download print copies of your message, be sure to print and distribute them to the relevant parents. We recommend sending printed copies home on the same day the message is sent, so all parents receive your communication at the same time.