News

The News tab opens to display a list of stories. All News stories can be categorised now to enable app users to view content that is relevant to their child. Use the MANAGE CATEGORIES button to create your school categories.

To watch a guide video click here 

Click CREATE NEWS ITEM button

Add item title. This is for your reference only and will not be displayed on the app.

The publication date defaults to today, but can be overridden (a future date can be set to keep the news item displaying on the app home screen)

Add the Headline. These work best if kept short, in a tabloid style.

Add the story. This can be a long as you need and can be styled to include Subheadings, bold, italics, bullets etc.

Assign a category. If no categories have been created this will not be displayed. Click here for more information on Categories or click the MANAGE CATEGORIES button top right of the screen on the portal

Add up to 4 Images. To find out more about image uploading and editing please click here. (If no image is selected a default 'Latest News' image for your school will be added automatically.)
iPhone users having issues uploading please click here.

You now have 3 link options – Webpage, PDF or Event. These are optional.

1. The Webpage link can be used to link out to an external website that parents will be able to view 'in app'. e.g. A story about travel to school could link out to the bus company's timetable. See also adding multiple links tip.
2. A PDF link can be used to present a document which can be viewed 'in app'. e.g. A news story about the new school menu could provide a PDF link to enable parents to view the menu on their phones.
3. The Event link enables parents to tap the link and be taken directly to that event page on the app. e.g. A news item could be used to promote an upcoming school production. Linking the event will encourage parents and carers to put the evening in their diarys'.

Click SAVE

Once saved, it is possible to send a linked app message  about this item. Click the LINKED MESSAGE button that appears. Parents receiving a linked message will be able to click the notification pane and be taken directly to the story on the app. This is great for ensuring parents attention is drawn to specific content on the app.