Messages, Notices or Newsfeed — Which do I use when?
This article sets out our recommended best-practice approach to choosing the right communication method in ReachMoreParents, based on what you need to share.
Using Messages, Notices and the Newsfeed consistently helps parents understand where to find different types of information.
Our recommendation is:
- Messages -Use for sharing information parents need to see ,know or act on.
- Notices -Use for sharing information parents should see or be aware of
- Newsfeed - Use for sharing information, such as school life stories that you would like parents to see
Each area can be targeted to the relevant classes, year groups or groups. This helps parents receive information that is relevant to their child, rather than being overwhelmed by updates that do not apply to them.
Clear, well-targeted communication makes important information easier to spot, helps parents stay engaged and reduces the risk of updates being missed.
1. Messages: information parents need to see
What is it for?
Messaging is best used for important or timely information that parents and carers need to see.
Messages generate a push notification, helping to increase visibility and making them suitable for updates that require attention or action. You can also track who has read the message, helping you identify where further follow-up may be needed. It is also best for when you need 2 way bespoke communication with a specific parent.
When should I use it?
Use Messaging when parents and carers must know about something, particularly where there is a change, action or important update.
Target the message to the relevant pupils or groups wherever possible. For example, an update about a particular club or trip should only be sent to those affected.
Common examples
- Changes to school activities or clubs
- School trip information, including forms that need completing
- Absence or late attendance messages
- Accident or incident updates
- Urgent changes to the school day
Best-practice tip
Use Messaging selectively so parents continue to recognise that these updates are important. For essential communications, check the read status and follow up with parents or carers who may not have seen the message.
2. Notices: information parents should see
What is it for?
Notices are best used for useful reminders about upcoming events, activities or deadlines.
These are updates parents should be aware of, but which may not require the same immediate attention as a message.
You can control how long a post remains visible so the notices area stays relevant.
When should I use it?
Use notices for information parents may need to refer back to over a period of time.
Target notices to the relevant classes, year groups or groups so parents see reminders that apply to their child without having to search through unrelated information.
Common examples
- Reminders about trips or sporting events
- School term dates
- Reminders to bring equipment into school, such as football boots or cooking ingredients
- Upcoming non-uniform days
- Deadlines for forms, payments or consent
Best-practice tip
Set an appropriate expiry date so information remains visible while it is useful but disappears once it is no longer relevant.
3. Newsfeed: information you would like parents to see
What is it for?
The Newsfeed is best used for sharing updates you would like parents and carers to see, giving them a positive insight into school life.
It is especially effective for sharing photos and videos that bring pupils’ learning, experiences and achievements to life. These stories help parents feel more connected to the school and give them greater confidence in the education and opportunities their children receive.
Regularly showcasing school life can also strengthen the school’s reputation through positive word of mouth. When parents see and share the good work taking place, it can support parent advocacy and help prospective families understand what makes the school special.
When should I use it?
Use the Newsfeed for updates that are useful or enjoyable for parents to see, particularly activities or events that have already taken place.
Posts can be targeted to the relevant class, year group or group, while wider achievements and celebrations can be shared with the whole school community.
Common examples
- Photos or videos from whole-school celebrations, such as World Book Day or Sports Day
- Pupil achievements, including star of the week or sporting success
- Special days and themed activities
- Photos or video clips from trips or residentials
- Examples of pupils’ work and classroom highlights
- Updates about what a class has been learning
- Performances, assemblies or other memorable school moments
Best-practice tip
Use photos and short videos regularly to showcase the positive stories taking place across the school. This helps current parents stay engaged and can strengthen the reputation that supports future pupil numbers.
4. A simple way to decide
Before posting, ask:
- Do parents need to see this or take action? Use Messaging.
- Is this something parents should see or may need to refer back to? Use the Noticeboard.
- Is this something we would like parents to see about school life, learning or achievements? Use the Newsfeed.
- Who genuinely needs to see it? Target the update to the relevant pupils or groups.
5. Keep your approach relevant and consistent
Whichever area you use, consistency and relevance are key.
When each feature has a clear purpose and updates are targeted appropriately, parents are more likely to pay attention, stay engaged and trust that the information they receive matters to them.
This makes important messages easier to spot, reduces unnecessary communication and helps schools build stronger relationships with current and prospective families.
Share this guidance with your team
Download our quick-reference infographic to share with colleagues or print and display in the school office or staffroom. It provides an at-a-glance reminder of when to use Messages, Notices and the Newsfeed.