Published at 11:26, Friday, 19 December 2008

NETHERHALL School in Maryport is contacting parents by text message.

David Sibbit: Using new technology

The school trialled its new technology for the first time last week when it reminded the parents of year 10 students about a parents’ evening.

Headteacher David Sibbit said the system, which was installed two weeks ago, allows staff to type a message on a computer and then send it as a text or voice message to as many parents as necessary.

Mr Sibbit said: “We can use it to immediately contact parents if a child is absent from school and we have not been told why.

“We can send out blanket messages to all parents or a group of parents for a particular event. We will also use the system to tell parents about a student’s progress.

“If someone has handed in excellent homework, for instance, we will be able to text the parents and tell them.”

Mr Sibbit said the new technology would save hours of time and a lot of paper.

He added: “We have been offered the software on a two-year trial. which seems reasonable.

“I understand some other west Cumbrian schools already have this messaging system, including Stainburn School in Workington, and it seems to work very well.”

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