Nov 2020 Release Update: We've been redecorating!

Hello!

Firstly, thanks for reading this update about the exciting new changes that are coming to the Parent Hub Portal. We really appreciate it.

As you may know, we've recently been busy behind the scenes working on a shiny new feature: Online Payments. We can't wait to show it to you, and we'll be piloting it from January 2021.

It's a BIG feature, and to support it we've taken the time to upgrade almost every aspect of the existing portal, including giving it the full repainting and wallpapering treatment.

The changes will go live on Monday 9th November, and here's an overview of what to expect:

So long sidebar...

The lefthand sidebar has been a mainstay of Parent Hub since we launched 4 years ago. It's served us well, and it's with some sadness that we're letting it go.

However, design best practice moves on, and so to keep pace we've adopted a more modern, centralised platform layout. We think it makes the portal feel cleaner, and it has the added benefit of creating more space on every page.

Everything the sidebar was used for can now be found in the top navigation bar. As they have been for some time, your channels list is under CHANNELS, and your school context (now called a Workspace) is found in the top right profile dropdown.

We've also moved the '+' icon to the navigation bar,  where you can create new channels, or jump to send a quick Direct Message.

Fresh wallpaper, same house...

Whilst we've given the walls a fresh lick of paint, please be assured, the layout of the house has stayed the same. In fact, the way you navigate to, and interact with, all of the main sending pages (Channels, Direct Messages, Staff Messages and Attendance) hasn't changed one bit.

Finally, you'll notice we've replaced the APP, SMS and EMAIL icons with word blocks. They're designed to make it easier to understand what they represent at a glance, plus we think they give the platform a fresh, clean look.

Some extra functionality for you to enjoy...

As we mentioned, the redecorating has been needed to make way for an extension: Online Payments.

So whilst most of the new functionality is still to be revealed, there's a few smaller wins for you to enjoy:

Inviting Staff as Admins

You've been asking, and we've heard you! This has been a popular request for some time, so we're pleased to include it in this upcoming release.

The staff invite process has been streamlined, so you can now invite colleagues as Parent Hub Admins from the start - just tick 'Invite as an Admin' when sending out the invitation, and we'll take care of the rest.

MIS Reconciling On-demand (RM Integris only)

We know that good MIS data is key to smooth communication with parents, and that this has been particularly true during recent times.

So, to help you keep communication flowing, you’ll now be able to initiate 3 syncs throughout the day from within the Parent Hub portal.

App Quicklinks (coming December 2020)

Do you have any websites or online platforms you want parents to access regularly?

You’ll now be able to add these in the portal, and they’ll immediately appear on your school home page in the Parent Hub app. Perfect for directing parents to the latest guidance from Public Health England, for example.

That's everything for now.

Thanks again for reading, and we'd love to hear your feedback. Please get in touch via support@parenthub.co.uk.

Stay safe, and happy sending!