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Arbor
The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT) uses Arbor as its single trust-wide MIS provider. An MIS is a system that helps schools collect, store, manage and use all the information they need. Arbor is a simple, smart and cloud-based MIS, meaning the data isn’t physically stored in school, making Arbor super secure as computer theft or damage at the school would not lead to data loss or a data breach.
Kemnal Technology College has moved away from SIMS to Arbor. Access will be via the free Arbor app from the App Store or Google Play Store (For Android 5.0 or iOS 10.0 and upwards). Payments will be unchanged and continue to be through ParentPay.
The Arbor App Guide - For Parents/Guardians
How to Get Ready & Sign Up
To ensure a smooth setup when your welcome email arrives, please follow these steps:
- Check your contact details: Make sure the school has your current, correct email address on file. This email address acts as your secure username. If you share an email address with another guardian or a staff member, please provide the school office with a unique one to avoid login conflicts.
- Look for your welcome email: At the start of term, you will receive a welcome email from the school containing a unique activation link. (If you cannot find it, please check your spam folder).
- Set your password via a web browser: Click the link in your welcome email using a laptop, tablet, or phone web browser (Google Chrome is highly recommended). You cannot set your password for the first time inside the mobile app. Follow the prompts to create your password and accept the terms.
- Verify your child's identity: As a security precaution, the system will ask you to input the date of birth of one of your children. Once verified, your account is fully active.
- Download the Arbor App: Search for "Arbor" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Download the app, log in using your newly created password, and enable Face ID/biometrics for quick future access.
Have children at multiple schools? As long as all schools use Arbor and have the exact same email address on file for you, you will be able to seamlessly switch between your children's profiles within the single app dashboard without needing multiple accounts.
Arbor Help Guides
A quick introduction to Arbor for guardians and parents
Check Activities eg (free) Trips and Clubs
Assessment - Progress results, curriculum tracking markbook
Behaviour - Behavioural incidents and points award
Examinations - Timetable, Exam entries, exam results
FAQs
Can I have an account under the same email as their other parent?
No, both parents must have separate email addresses as this works as their account username.
Classcharts
Class Charts is an online platform used by schools to track student behaviour, homework, and attendance in real time. For parents, it acts as a direct window into the school day, showing everything from positive praise points to set detentions.
| Feature | What You Can See |
|---|---|
| Behaviour Timeline | A live feed of Positive Points (e.g., excellent effort, teamwork) and Negative Points (e.g., missing equipment, off-task behaviour). |
| Attendance | A colour-coded calendar showing lesson-by-lesson attendance, alongside their child’s daily subject schedule. |
| Detentions & Announcements | Real-time notifications if a detention has been issued (including date, time, and reason), alongside general school notices. |
How To Sign Up and Log In
To log in, you will need a Parent Access Code, which is unique to them and generated securely by the school.
Step 1: Get your access code: The school will issue you a unique Parent Access Code (usually a mixture of letters and numbers, sent via email or letter).
Step 2: Download or open the platform: Download the Class Charts Parents app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store, or visit:
Step 3: Select 'I don't have an account yet': If using the platform for the first time, click the sign-up option. Enter your unique Access Code, your name, your email address, and choose a secure password.
Step 4: Log in in future: Once registered, you will no longer need that initial access code. You will simply log in using your email address and password.
Tip for families with multiple children: Parents do not need separate accounts for each child. Once logged into the parent portal, they can simply click "Add Pupil" and enter the unique access code for their other children to view all of them from a single dashboard.
ParentPay
For any school payments i.e. topping up lunch money, we use ParentPay. Every parent should receive a letter with details on how to sign up to their account. If you require a copy of the letter, please contact admin@kemnal-tkat.org.