SMS for After-School Programs
Fill vacation care and holiday program spots faster, send day-to-day session details and let parents text in an absence, all from one number.
How after-school and vacation care programs use SMS
Out of school hours care and vacation care programs live and die by bookings, and spots for popular holiday camps can fill within days. Parents also need fast, practical updates, what to pack for tomorrow's excursion, a change of pickup time, or confirmation their booking went through, and staff don't have time to chase all of this by phone. Similar childcare and kids' activity operators lean on SMS for exactly this mix of booking urgency and day-to-day logistics.
Mobile Message sends booking confirmations and day-of reminders from your program's own name, from 1.6¢ per message with no monthly fees. Parents can text back to report an absence or ask a quick question, and it lands in a shared inbox your whole team can see.
Booking and spot availability alerts
Let families know the moment vacation care or holiday program bookings open, and follow up before popular sessions fill.
Day-to-day session logistics
Send what to pack, meeting points and pickup time changes so parents aren't caught out on excursion days.
Two-way absence notifications
Let parents text in when a child won't be attending, straight into a shared inbox your team can see.
Cancellations and closures
Get word out fast when weather, staffing or low numbers force a session or program day to close.
Holiday program promotions
Promote upcoming holiday programs and remaining spots with a bulk text campaign and a clear opt-out.
Bulk SMS at 1.6¢ per SMS
Exceptional SMS pricing starting at just 1.6¢ per message with your first purchase.
100% Direct Delivery
Messages delivered directly to Australian carriers for maximum speed and reliability.
FREE Dedicated Number
Get a free virtual number to send and receive SMS messages, perfect for 2-way chat.
Built for busy before and after school teams
Bulk reminders, two-way replies and a shared inbox, from 1.6¢ per message.
Import Your Contacts in Bulk
Easily organise your contacts by uploading spreadsheets and managing them with lists.
Personalise Your Messages
Send personalised messages with each customer's name and other relevant details.
Two-way SMS Messaging
Easily engage with your customers and clients through free two-way messaging.
Automatic Opt-Outs
Include an automated opt-out option to let customers easily unsubscribe from messages.
SMS Message Templates
Create, save, and reuse text messaging templates to reduce time and streamline your communication.
Custom Sender ID
Send your SMS from your business name or a dedicated number to boost your brand identity with customers.
Schedule Messages
Scheduling your SMS messages lets you reach your audience at the perfect time without needing to be online.
Unlimited Users
Give trusted users access to your account, without having to share your login details. Everyone in your team can login.
Add Emojis to Your Messages
Bring your messages to life with emojis. Add personality, emotion and impact to your texts to make them stand out.
Send Messages in Any Language
Send messages in any language your customers speak. With full Unicode support, you can communicate in Chinese, Arabic, Japanese and more.
What after-school program SMS looks like
Realistic examples based on how similar childcare and activity operators text families.
Hi families, Vacation Care bookings for the July holidays are now open and filling fast. Book online at brightsparks.com.au/bookings to secure your spot. Opt out: reply STOP
Reminder for tomorrow's excursion, please pack a hat, water bottle and closed shoes. Pickup is 3.30pm from the front gate. Bright Sparks OSHC
Hi Priya, thanks for letting us know Noah won't be in today, hope he feels better soon. Bright Sparks OSHC
Due to the forecast storm, this afternoon's OSHC session at Green Valley PS is cancelled. Please arrange alternate pickup by 2.45pm. Thank you for your understanding.
How it works
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Add your families
Import your contact list from a spreadsheet or your booking system. -
Write your templates
Set up booking alerts, excursion reminders and closure notices once, personalised with each parent's first name. -
Schedule or send instantly
Schedule term reminders ahead of time, or fire off a same-day closure notice in seconds. -
Reply from a shared inbox
Parents text in an absence or a question, and any staff member can see it and respond.
Ready to keep families in the loop?
Join Australian before and after school care programs sending booking alerts and day-to-day updates with Mobile Message. No contracts, no monthly fees, just pay from 1.6¢ per message.