Early Notification – messages about absences
The Early Notification (EN) system electronically reports absences. Learn about the Early Notification system, how to get it, and training.
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About Early Notification systems (ENs)
EN is a text and email messaging service for sending customised messages to groups. It also provides a return path to the school’s register to update the reasons for a student’s absence.
EN isn't compulsory but it significantly simplifies recording absences.
EN is used together with the electronic Attendance Register (eAR) module of the school's Student Management System (SMS).
Early Notification system brochure [PDF, 1.2 MB]
electronic Attendance Register (eAR) tracks attendance
The benefits of using ENs
- Quickly tells parents and caregivers if their child is absent without explanation.
- Improves student achievement, punctuality and retention.
- Reduces unjustified non-attendance and prevents casual truancy becoming habit-forming.
- Saves the time and cost involved in phoning parents.
To use EN effectively you must have robust procedures for collecting the data.
Three companies provide the EN services
You should contact your vendor if you have EN problems.
Solvam Corporation Ltd
Service name: School-links
Contact: Andrew Balfour
Phone: 03 365 2733
Mobile: 027 433 6067
Email andrew.balfour@school-links.co.nz
School-links website(external link)
TxtStream Ltd
Service name: TxtStream
Contact: Guy Lincoln
Phone: 0800 277 272
Email: guy@txtstream.co.nz
TXTStream website(external link)
MGM Wireless (NZ) Ltd
Service name: MGM Wireless Early Notification
Contact: Robin Hamon
Phone: 09 426 0242
Mobile: 021 682 866
Email: rhamon@mgmwireless.com
MGM Wireless website(external link)
Starting to use EN with eAR
More than 95% of schools have a suitable SMS. That means all commonly used SMS use the eAR module and the EN interface protocol.
Find out which SMSs support EN and eAR.
Sharing data from your School Management System
To apply to use EN, complete the electronic Attendance Register Application form.
Get training from your vendor and the Ministry
The vendor will train you in using their EN product.
The Ministry can train you on:
- implementing eAR with strong systems and processes
- verifying data, including how to ensure the accuracy of data before using it to report on or make decisions
- analysing data (Counting Education), including how to use the data to inform decision making.
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