Running a school is no mean feat; dealing with pupils, teachers, parents, admin staff and various other stakeholders can be vastly challenging.

The tools deemed necessary for traditional education are very different to what is required today and the last few years clearly demonstrated this.

BT Switch Off

BT recently revealed it will switch off its Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) lines in 2025, moving from traditional phone lines to faster, clearer Internet Protocol (IP) technologies instead. This has played a big part in the increase in demand for VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephony for UK schools. VoIP allows voice calls, as well as video and data, to be transmitted over the internet, instead of through older PSTN lines. Schools can send faxes, host conference calls, forward calls from one location to another, use voicemail, route calls, have an auto-attendant and more.

If you haven’t already moved over to VoIP now would be a good time, it can save you money and gives you a vast array of features:

Moving to VoIP

Achieving this is quite simple: all schools need is a high-speed broadband connection. Combine this with cloud-based communications, and schools will be able to access communication methods such as calls, messages, audio, video conferencing, screen-sharing and task management from anywhere, anytime, using any device.

• Auto attendant: callers can be given an automated option to a voicemail, e.g. ‘Press 1 to report your child as absent..’ This enables schools to filter calls freeing up admin staff to deal with the important questions.

• Voicemail-to-email – this enables voice messages to be automatically emailed to relevant departments and doesn’t require the receptionist or administrator to manually take messages and email them.

• Voicemails can be received as emails for staff to read both as transcripts or voice messages Teachers are also able to listen to their voicemails via their PCs or mobile. Access via Pin Number enables privacy and security for all messages

• In-queue announcements reduce call handling of frequent enquiries. These can provide general information such as key times and dates. Allow staff to prioritise the important calls……and reduce your call traffic!

• Information messages can be delivered automatically to every caller. These can be updated or amended remotely

• Staff can work from anywhere and access their landline via a desktop phone or mobile app.

• One-Touch Recording – provides receptionists with instant recording during an important call. Voicemail to email enables recorded phone calls to be forwarded via email to senior staff/headmaster. Recordings can help resolve disputes instantly.

• Security features include an SOS Key on IP Dect so key staff can be alerted about an emergency. There is also One-touch Panic Key on Handsets for classrooms in case of any issues and challenges.

With uncertain times ahead and budgets being squeezed, it is fundamental we recognise the importance of fixing costs for today and the future.

HBT provides the latest business-grade communications that encompass all features under one fixed monthly cost, this includes line rental and call charges.  We manage and update the telephony platform without any additional costs.  The best bit is our solutions do not have any upfront costs.

Contact us and find out how we can help your school.