High Ash is in the process of transitioning to a new management information system, called Bromcom.  Using Bromcom will mean we only need to use one system in school.  At the moment, we have to use different systems for different functions, such as sending messages out to parents, managing school meals, booking trips or wraparound, and scheduling parents' evening appointments.  We hope this system will be much more efficient for us and much simpler for you.  

What do parents need to do?

All parents will need to start accessing this new system.  You can do this in two ways.  

1. Install an app called My Child At School (MCAS) which is available from Google Play or the Apple Store or there is a desktop version of the same system, accessible at www.mychildatschool.com.

2. Whether using the app or the desktop version, you will first be asked to sign up for an account.  You will need to enter a unique school code, for High Ash this is 15678 

3. The next step is to then enter your email address and create a password.  This needs to be the email address we hold for you - it is likely to be the email address through which you’re receiving this letter.

When do parents need the app?

We are asking all parents to set up their My Child At School account by Easter.  We will still have access to Parentpay until Easter but when we return to school after the Easter holidays all our communications and meal bookings etc. will need to be through My Child At School.  There is information to help you attached with this email and also available on our website.  
 

When do parents need to start using the app?

Once you have set up your account you will be able to see the basic details we hold about your child (e.g. address, DOB, contacts details etc.) and also your child’s attendance.  We ask that all parents check the details we hold to ensure these are still up-to-date. You will be able to make amendments to this yourself. 

After the Easter holidays, all our communications will be through My Child At School.  You will be able to book school meals after Easter too, but for the moment continue to make bookings in ParentPay for this term.  

Later in the summer term, you will be able to book wraparound bookings for next academic year as well as extra-curricular clubs for September.  

From the autumn term, all parents' evenings will be booked through the app, and we will also start to communicate information about behaviour (e.g. merit badges, being in the consequence book etc).  

What about payments for the Year 6 residential and wraparound

We'll update parents separately before Easter with more information, but the balance will transfer from Parentpay to My Child At School.  We will confirm the remaining balance for each parent and the outstanding amount will be paid via My Child At School.  

What’s the benefit for parents?

Using My Child at School will mean everything is in one place.  It will make it easier to find information, and you won’t have to remember different credentials to log in to different sites.  Whether you use the app on your phone or use the desktop version, My Child At School will allow us to do everything we currently do and more.  We will introduce different elements slowly so as not to overwhelm parents or school staff. 

If you have any queries or problems accessing your account, then email this specialist email address mcas@highashschool.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as we can.