ParentPay

Hi, ParentPay support number is 0844 5678988.

Essentially, once it is setup, it will run on a fully automated, scheduled basis, for any MIS data changes that are relevant to ParentPay and part of the current ParentPay upload set. Schedule can be set on a school by school basis (daily/nightly, weekly etc). A local application talks to ParentPay and to the MIS, much the same as MIS:Sync does today. Main difference is allowing the full automation and scheduling for non-SIMS schools. First release will work on full uploads (as per the current upload process), whereby all data is uploaded and then only the differences imported. A future release, probably later in the Autumn term, will allow either full or delta uploads. delta uploads do the 'differencing' locally and then only upload and import the changes (this just makes for a slightly lower bandwidth usage). Uploads can always be over-ridden, should the school want to 'force' an upload at a specific time.

We will have a new integration available in September that will be much better for all non-SIMS schools - essentially fully automated updates. Rather than a general release, it will be available on request in September - just let us know when is a good time for your school and we'll arrange. Following on from the comments made here we won't be changing any processes over the summer.

Yes we can see how important telephone support is and that we need to look at that urgently. The reason we prefer email contact is that it is the best way of ensuring the most appropriate and knowledgeable person responds to school queries in the first instance, rather than someone on a telephone taking a message and you being passed around to get a response (call centre mentality). However, listening to your experiences it is clear that this needs to be revisted.

We have no reported service issues at present. I've just checked my system and it is fine. PM me and I'll have it checked out for you?

Sorry that wasn't meant to be a sales pitch at all. Just thought that schools who are looking at all the systems might find it useful to see what's on offer and have the full picture regarding things like transaction charges and refunds. The issues are the priority - we have listened and are actioning currently. The server outages are resolved and we have no reports of any problems.

Have any of the non users seen a demo of the ParentPay system? Happy to arrange without any obligation if you would find useful?

Hi - I am going to respond more fully to all the comments very soon, but just wanted to respond to yours specifically Mr_Writer. Really sorry that your friends have had problems - we process hundreds of thousands of payments and very rarely have any problems at all. I obviously can't comment on the individual transactions but if you were able to supply your location I can provide a list of other schools for you to contact who can give you their feedback on the system and you can factor into your research findings (not ParentPay 'pet' schools either!) Refunds are really easy to do with ParentPay too - click of a button.

yes I've been following it for a while and there are some negative (and positive) comments. PP have around 80% of the online payment market in almost 3000 schools and a proven system.Other systems can't give you as many local schools with proven successes in using online payments to contact and talk to about the system, nor do other providers offer the breadth functionality or service with regard to cashless integration. Apologies if you've had a bad experience CyberNerd - happy to try and put that right for you?

Hi - just wondering why you discounted ParentPay? I work for ParentPay so would be happy to respond to any queries?