Go to Settings > Main Settings > Online Parents Meetings, choose Online meeting via URL (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet) or Embedded video chat, then select Update Online Meeting Preference. Only Super Admins can change this setting.
For Super Admins choosing how online parents’ evening (PTC) meetings run, and for staff adding teachers’ meeting IDs.
| I want to | Go to |
|---|---|
| Decide which meeting type to use | Compare the two options |
| Change the online meeting type | Set the online meeting type |
| Add a teacher’s meeting room ID | Add a teacher’s online meeting ID |
Compare the two options
For online parent-teacher conferences (parents’ evenings), you can use either:
- Online meeting via URL: an external tool such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet.
- Embedded video chat: video built into SchoolsBuddy.
| Online meeting via URL | Embedded video chat | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Extra cost if you do not already have the product | No extra cost |
| Familiarity | Teachers and parents already know these widely used tools | |
| Recording | Teachers can record meetings | Teachers cannot record meetings |
| Waiting room | Available, depending on your licence | Not available |
| Starting and ending | The staff member starts and ends each meeting manually | Meetings end automatically when the time slot finishes |
Set the online meeting type
Only Super Admins can change the online PTC type. See Assigning Staff Roles.
Select Settings.
On the Main Settings tab, select Online Parents Meetings.
Tick either Online meeting via URL or Embedded video chat.
-
Select Update Online Meeting Preference.
Changing your default online settings affects current and historical PTC containers.
Add a teacher’s online meeting ID
If you use Online meeting via URL, add each teacher’s own virtual meeting room ID to their user profile. This makes online parent-teacher conferences easier to organise.
Go to Reception > Users.
Search for the staff member and select their profile.
Type the teacher’s meeting ID in the Online Meeting ID field.
-
Select Save.
The Online Meeting ID field on a staff user profile. The staff user profile with the Online Meeting ID and Save button.
What parents and staff see
- If you add the meeting details before parents book, parents get the meeting room ID in their booking confirmation email and it shows in their Diary.
- If you add the URL after an appointment is booked, parents see the URL in their Diary.
Parents and staff see a clickable link in their Calendar.