This article explains how to set up and send push notifications to parents through the d6 platform after implementation. Push notifications are sent directly to the d6 app on parents' mobile devices and are one of the primary communication channels between the school and parents.

My School > Communication 

What push notifications are used for

Push notifications allow the school to send instant messages to parents who have the d6 Communicator app installed on their phone. They are used for announcements, reminders, emergency notices, and any communication that needs to reach parents quickly. Push notifications are an additional fee-based channel — ensure your school has the communication module activated before use.

How do I set communication as a push notification?

Step 1 — Navigate to communication

1. Navigate to My School > Communication > d6 App Setup.
   

2. Select Settings tab- You have an option of a notification to be sent as a feed(in the background) or push.

3. Select Push Notifications for immediate messages.

Step 2 — Compose the notification

1. Enter a subject/title for the notification.

2. Type the message body. Keep it brief and clear — push notifications work best as short, actionable messages.

3. Attach a document or image if required (optional).

Step 3 — Select your audience

1. Choose whether to send to All Parents, a specific Grade, a specific Class, or individual learners.

2. Narrow down the recipient list as needed to avoid unnecessary bulk messages.

Step 4 — Send or schedule

1. Click Send Now to deliver the notification immediately.

2. Alternatively, select a scheduled date and time if you want the message to go out later.

3. Confirm the send action when prompted.

Communication channels available

• Push notification: Instant message to the d6 app on the parent's device. Requires the parent to have the app installed and notifications enabled.

• SMS: Sent to the parent's registered mobile number. Useful when parents do not have the app(charged).

• Email: Sent to the parent's registered email address. Best for longer communications or documents.

Important notes

• App installation: Push notifications only reach parents who have installed the d6 app and linked their account to your school. Encourage parents to install the app during school registration.

• Cost: Push notifications via the d6 app are included in the communication module. SMS messages are charged per message sent.

• Delivery confirmation: You can view message delivery status and read receipts in the communication history section.

Frequently asked questions

Why are some parents not receiving push notifications?

Parents will not receive push notifications if they have not installed the d6 app, have not linked their account to your school, or have disabled notifications on their device. Use SMS or email as a fallback for parents not receiving push messages.

Can I send a push notification to only one learner's parents?

Yes. When selecting the audience, choose Individual Learner and search for the learner by name. The notification will be sent only to the parents or guardians linked to that learner's profile.

Is there a character limit for push notification messages?

Push notification messages should be kept concise — ideally under 160 characters for the preview text. Longer messages can be included in the full message body, but parents may need to open the app to read the full content.

Can teachers send push notifications, or is this restricted to admins?

By default, the communication module is restricted to admin users. However, a full admin can grant communication permissions to specific staff members such as class teachers or grade heads. Contact your d6 implementation consultant to configure role-based communication permissions.