11 Ways a School App Saves You Money

While Transforming Parental Engagement

www.appscentral.co.uk
ABOUT THIS WHITEPAPER
If theres one phone call I get more than any other
its the one from school leaders saying, Mick, I can
totally see how having our own app could transform
parental engagement but I just dont think my school
can afford one, and thats usually before they even
know what the cost of the app is.

Generally I love receiving this call because I can

make these teachers day by explaining that not only
is the app far more affordable than they imagine,
but it will actually reduce their overall school
management costs! In this eBook Ill explain why our
school app is not simply just another tool that looks
great, its an indispensable addition to any schools
communication strategy.

www.appscentral.co.uk
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#1 SURPRISINGLY AFFORDABLE
When school leaders enquire about the price of having their own school app, I
can almost feel them bracing themselves for the worst. In reality, the app is very
affordable and will not be more than 50 per month.

As an example, the Windmill Primary School (Ofsted Outstanding) app has been
downloaded by over 500 members of the school community, which works out at
around 7p per user per month! With no hidden costs or nasty surprises, your school
app is extremely easy to budget for.

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#2 NO INITIAL SET-UP FEE
Unlike many school technology solutions, there is no initial set-up fee involved
with the creation of your schools app. We do all the set-up work for you, including
personalising the app with your school logo, crest and branding.

As were setting up your app, well send you test versions and ask for your
feedback. Your app will only go live when youre 100% happy with it, and no
payment will be required until this is the case.

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#3 FREE TRAINING AND ONGOING SUPPORT
At Apps Central we understand that youll only get the very best from your school
app if your team feel comfortable using and managing it. Thats why we provide
full training as standard for any school that launches their own app at no
additional cost.

Managing the app moving forward is very simple. However, to make sure that there
are no obstacles for you, we provide completely free ongoing support so if you
have any questions, all you have to do is pick up the phone or send an email.

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#4 REDUCES PRINTING COSTS OVERNIGHT
When High School of Dundee launched their schools app they stopped printing
the school calendar and this decision alone has saved 3 times the cost of running
the app.

But the potential savings for your school dont stop there. With the ability to
communicate with parents in an instant, your school will be able to dramatically
reduce the amount of money you spend on printing and photocopying letters (not to
mention making paying for texts and stamps a thing of the past).

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#5 SAVES SIGNIFICANT
ADMINISTRATIVE TIME
The apps instant push notifications make it the perfect solution for
communicating last minute changes or updates to parents. They are alerted
immediately of any changes which dramatically reduces the amount of incoming
calls to your school office.

In addition to reducing the number of incoming calls, the app also removes
many time-consuming tasks such as putting together letters, creating calendars,
photocopying etc.

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#6 SAVINGS FOR PARENTS
The app is 100% free for parents and will quickly become their best friend. Not only
can you be sure that they actually receive your messages (no more worrying about
letters lost in the bottom of school bags), parents can also set up filters to ensure
they only receive messages and updates that are relevant to their children.

The app even allows parents to add relevant school events to their personal
smartphone calendars (including event info such as a map of the location, contact
details of the event organiser, times and dates). All of which enables them to plan
their time more effectively and ensure they never have a wasted journey.

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#7 SAVINGS FROM STREAMLINED PROCESSES
Integrating calendar data between the app and the school website is simple using
the calendar widget feature. This enables the calendar to be replicated on your
website, meaning there is absolutely no need for double entry and ensuring there is
only one version of the truth. If you use outlook or google calendar we can take an
iCal feed directly into the app!

Your school can also share news stories and photos directly from your website using
RSS Feeds and Twitter feeds (originator tweets only).

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#8 NO FIXED-TERM CONTRACT
Once youre up and running with your school app, youll wonder how you ever
managed without it.

However, we want to give your school complete flexibility and reassurance. Thats
why there is no fixed term contract; if your circumstances change at any time you
can close your app without incurring any additional fees.

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#9 SHARE INFORMATION INSTANTLY
WITH OFSTED
One of the things Ofsted are currently focussing on is evidence that your school
is communicating effectively and nurturing close relationships with your parent
community. However, gathering evidence of this can be tricky and time-consuming
for your staff.

Thats why weve made sure the app provides you with the tools you need to
evidence engagement levels and report on the number of times your app has been
downloaded and used by your school community.

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#10 AN INVESTMENT FOR THE LONG-TERM
When investing in technology you need to know that this isnt some flash in the pan
trend that is going to be obsolete in 5 years time, but is instead going to be a long
term investment youll be reaping the rewards from for years to come.

In 2016 apps are visited even more than websites and app use is growing year on
year in the UK. In fact recent research shows that users are spending an average
of 2 hours 42 minutes per day on their mobile device and app usage accounts for a
whopping 2 hours 19 minutes of this!

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#11 ENDORSED BY AN EDUCATION MINISTER
Lastly, if you need any additional reassurance that this is going to be a long-term
investment for your school, you might like to know that our app has recently been
praised by Welsh Education Minister, Huw Lewis. The Minister, who visited Ebbw
Fawr School to launch their app, said the following:

Id like to congratulate the school on its work in developing the app. Its pleasing
to see Schools Challenge Cymru making a positive, tangible difference in some of
our more challenged communities. This development will improve engagement
between the school, pupils, parents and the wider community...

www.appscentral.co.uk
WHATS THE NEXT STEP?
Do you want to see a personalised version of your
schools news and calendar app? Simply email me
at mick.empson@appscentral.co.uk or call me on
01738 646760 and Ill get it created and sent over
to you ASAP.

Mick Empson
CEO of Apps Central

Apps Central
mick.empson@appscentral.co.uk
01738 450418
www.appscentral.co.uk

www.appscentral.co.uk
www.appscentral.co.uk