Parent Comms Systems - ParentMail and Schoolcomms

[crc-ict]

Dear All,

 

I am looking to hear some opinions from fellow 'Geeks about parent communication platforms.

 

We are currently using ParentMail, but are finding it quite clunky in some areas and find the support to be very lacking - hard to get hold of anyone, even harder to get an answer from them.

 

We are thinking about changing platform. I spoke to Schoolcomms at BETT, which looks rather good.

 

Interestingly, several companies at BETT said they were hearing a lot of complaints from schools about ParentMail, and I was also concerned that ParentMail didn't have a presence at BETT.

 

So, interested in how other people are getting on with ParentMail and their support (to compare experiences!) and also how people find Schoolcomms (while we consider it).

 

Thanks

 

Chris.

[mikkydoos]

I use Groupcall Messenger because it syncs with Sims.net. Its quite good.... and web based. Not too pricey either

[PaulHughes]

Hi Chris,

 

Are you using the latest version of ParentMail (PMX) or an earlier version (PM2)? As the MD of ParentMail I can tell you there is a world of difference between the two products.

 

We have decided not to spend money on BETT for the last two years and instead to use that money for software development where we believe it will ultimately benefit users.

 

With regard to hearing complaints about ParentMail when we're not present to defend ourselves I can only ask you to keep an open mind and judge us on your own experience. With regard to support generally we have invested in new telephone systems, online guided tutorials (which don't exist in any competitor software), training videos, and very shortly you'll see LiveChat introduced (PMX schools only). In short we're investing heavily in improving support for schools and parents and we're confident schools are noticing significant improvements already which will continue to get better.

 

PM2 will be completely withdrawn from service by the middle of 2016 and all schools moved across to PMX (no cost for schools and no re-registration for parents). PMX provides many enhancements including automatic overnight synchronisation with SIMS (not previously available on earlier ParentMail platforms), a free APP for parents which allows email/sms/online payments/parents evening booking/form & surveys and online meeting booking. (No competitor provides all this in single APP format).

 

The new payment platform includes debit/credit cards, PayPal (only school system in the UK!), PayPoint & PayCash (shortly Amex also) and now provides more payment options than any other product on the market (it's also the only platform offering PayCash the latest offering from PayPoint). I really hope you'll stick with us and if want a local representative to pop in and visit you for a face to face meeting to discuss any issues or concerns, we can arrange this for you.

 

If you need any assistance (or support) at any time you can reach me personally using [email protected] and I will ensure you get it.

 

Finally, if you want real testimonials from schools using PMX I can give you dozens and you can read case studies if you are interested here --> https://www.parentmail.co.uk/blog/category/school-case-studies/

 

BW

 

Paul.

[Schoolcomms]

Hi Chris

 

I'd say the best way to confirm for yourself is to have a go with Schoolcomms - you can have a completely free trial for 30days, and whilst you are having a go with it call our support and get them to help you with some stuff. They aren't just there for tech support, they are there to help you achieve what you want to achieve with Schoolcomms so you don't have to wait for something to break to give us a call.

 

Also I am sure we can point you to some local schools who use us and you can go and see them or give them a call.

 

In fact I see you are in Worthing - our product and development team are based in the middle of Worthing so you could just drop in and ask them directly! Seriously they would love it if you came by ( we never let them out )