How to decide on the right parent app for your Early Years setting

From childminders to playgroups, preschools to nurseries, communication with parents and carers is likely one of your top priorities. The trouble is, we do a lot of it.

The likelihood is, you're reading this guide in stages because you've been called away to answer the phone, tackle your overflowing inbox, reply to a text message, clarify an invoice, and make a post to your setting's Facebook page. But it doesn't have to be that way.

It's time to keep everything under one roof, in an Early Childhood Platform.

What do you need in a parent communication app?

A leadership role in the Early Years is the definition of being a jack-of-all-trades. One minute you're sending invoices, the next you're changing a nappy, the next you're updating your website. There's certainly no extra time in the day for logging in and out of fifteen different platforms. An all-in-one Early Childhood Platform is the way to go. Look for one with:

Everything in one place. From creating and sending invoices, to booking extra sessions, to sending out the weekly menu, to sharing child development with parents, keeping it all in one platform will save you hours.
Easy, in-app bill payments and automatic reminders for overdue fees
Safeguarding features like digital accident and incident forms, so you can keep parents informed and save on excess paperwork.‍
Clear and secure records of allergies and medications, so you and parents have the most important information at your fingertips.

What do children deserve from your Early Childhood Platform?

The children are at the heart of everything we do in the Early Years and your parent communication app should be no different. In fact, that's why we call it an Early Childhood Platform at Famly - it's all about the child at the centre. Look for an app with:

Excellent security for children’s data - all information encrypted and processed in compliance with GDPR. Plus secure storage of safeguarding notes.
A joyful and celebratory learning journal, without tick-lists and tracking, that reflects best practice for observation and assessment.
Respectful, clear, in-app care routine sharing between parents and educators. No one wants to hear their bowel movements being discussed over their head at pick-up.
Secure storage of safeguarding notes.
An album for their photos and videos.

"Famly does everything you would want a nursery management software to do and SO much more. Having everything all in one place and so easy to use, has been a game changer for all our staff, at all levels. We know we are providing an even better quality of care and education because of our use of Famly, and because of the time Famly saves our teams, which means they can spend more time doing the things that truly matter - creating moments filled with awe and wonder for our little ones to thrive in. Which, in turn, they then bring to life for our families through the Famly Newsfeed!"

Sarah Fromageot, Head of Marketing and Brand, Kindred

The big ideas

What do parents want from an Early Years app?

Parents are the experts on their children and they're also your customers. Ensuring their experience of communicating with your setting is as smooth as possible can keep the information flowing and (let's face it) keep the bills paid on time.

Parents want reassurance their child is happy and healthy, and clarity over their fees and finances. Look for a parent communication app with:

Push notifications to give parents updates about their child's day in real-time.
A bright and inviting, easy-to-use look.
Instant messaging to keep all communication in one place. Parents and carers don't want to be hopping in and out of 20 different apps any more than you do.
An easy way to view their child's learning journey so they can keep up-to-date with their child's development and contribute their own observations too.
Clear access to invoicing, their balance, and fee payment, all in one place. Better yet, integrations that help save them money and time.

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“It’s so easy for us to reassure parents. Parents often cry when they have to drop off their child the first few times, as they’re so worried about leaving. But we can send that message or photo in Famly to say their child is fine, show them that they’ve had a bottle, they’ve had a sleep - and it’s all on their phones so it’s brilliantly accessible. It’s made the settling-in process so much better”

Bobbie Jo Davies, Early Years Alliance

An early years parent and their child check a parent communication app.

What do Early Years educators need from a parent communication app?

Early Years educators are experts in child development and the early learning environment... they shouldn't need to be experts in technology. Your setting's parent communication app should be so easy to use that it allows practitioners to add the information they need to and go right back to the children. Look for a parent communication app with:

An easy way to communicate to all parents in a setting, room, or group, so reminders and messages never get lost.
In-app spelling and grammar checks, so all messages to parents look professional and clear.
The option invite parents and carers in for events and remind them of upcoming activities
An easy-to-navigate sections to update records in seconds.‍
In-app translation for smooth communication with parents who have English as an additional language.

"Famly helps us tell the story of children's days and so much more. If more companies were like Famly, dedicated not only to: 1. Providing an outstanding product that continuously develops, but also, 2. Take their responsibility for improving the sector they service very seriously, the world would be a better place. It helps our team save time and our parents get the headlines they need to know in a user friendly and modern way."

Lewis Fogarty, Director, Always Growing

Please note: here at Famly we love sharing creative activities for you to try with the children at your setting, but you know them best. Take the time to consider adaptions you might need to make so these activities are accessible and developmentally appropriate for the children you work with. Just as you ordinarily would, conduct risk assessments for your children and your setting before undertaking new activities, and ensure you and your staff are following your own health and safety guidelines.

Julia Bethan Rose

Julia is an Early Education Editor here at Famly and she’s passionate about championing the work of the sector in any way she can.