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SMS integrations

Integrate GOV.UK Notify for free text messages

Hannah Chapple avatar
Written by Hannah Chapple
Updated over a month ago

What are SMS Integrations?

Satchel One is able to link to GOV.UK Notify to allow you to send text messages. This service provides a low cost communication option for state-funded schools with a free allowance of 5,000 SMS messages per school, with the option to buy credit for more messages, if needed.

Please note that SMS replies are not possible via this service. You can find out more about GOV.UK Notify on their website.

Sign up for Notify

If you are already using this service, you can skip this step.

Signing up is easy and free for all UK state-funded schools. You can create an account here: https://www.notifications.service.gov.uk/

If you have not used this service before, your account will be in trial mode to begin with. You can request to go live by clicking on Settings.

Create API key

  1. Sign in to GOV.UK Notify here: https://www.notifications.service.gov.uk/sign
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  2. Select API integration from the dashboard menu.
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  3. In the API integration menu, select the API keys button, and then on Create an API key.
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  4. Enter ‘Satchel One’ as the Name for this key, and select ‘Live’ as the type.
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  5. Copy the API Key and keep it somewhere safe. You will not be able to return to this screen in future.
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Create template

  1. In GOV.UK Notify, navigate to Templates in order to create a new template to use with Satchel One.
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  2. Click the New Template button, select Text Message and continue.
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  3. Give the template a name, eg ‘Satchel One SMS template’ and in the Message field type ((body)). Click save.
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  4. On the next screen, copy the Template ID.
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Set up SMS integration

🔒 The actions within this section are controlled by the SMS integrations permission.

In Satchel One navigate to Tools > System > Messaging > SMS integration.

Paste the API key and Template ID you created in the previous steps in the corresponding field, and click Save.

You’re now set up and ready to send text messages from the Parent directory.

Please remember to test that messaging is working properly by checking your Notify Dashboard.

FAQ

Question

Answer

Can private schools use the Notify service?

Unfortunately not, you will need a public sector email address to sign up for an account.

Will you be adding any other SMS integrations in the future?

Yes, we are working on other SMS integrations, so please let us know which is your preferred provider.

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