In the past year, I have:
- Incorporated – possibly the easiest part of all of this!
- Designed 4 versions of the app, including our Phase 1/MVP currently nearing the end of production.
- Found our brilliant developer, Terry, whose breadth of knowledge and experience is astounding.
- Set up a bank account with Revolut (which has been super easy to use and track).
- Had so many wonderful conversations with teachers, school leaders, trip providers, and parents about what this field trip app for teachers could mean to them.
- Learnt the basics of a variety of coding languages (HTML/CSS, Python, JavaScript, SQL).
- Invested a lot (both time and money) in a product I really believe in and know that lots of you do too.
- Spent many, many hours researching our competitors to ensure we have the best school trip planning app on the market (something we’ll keep doing).
- Found a co-founder (admittedly it wasn’t that hard as I’m married to him 😉).
- Enjoyed working with my brother and amazing CTO, James.
- Found my way through depression and anxiety.
- Started a new part-time job in a lovely department in one of the best companies to work for in the UK. In my bid to bootstrap this business for as long as I can, it’s been important to keep the money coming in, and I’m proud to say that we find ourselves in a position to keep it this way too!
It’s been really hard at times. As so many founders will know, there’s the constant question about whether this is the right thing to be doing with life. But I’ve learnt so much in this time, and I am loving what we’re building. And what more can one hope for than that? There have been delays too, but we’ve been so keen to get this as right as we can.
What can you look forward to in Phase 1?
Mobile and Web App
Most apps launch on either mobile or the web, but we appreciate that teachers do most of their planning on a computer, yet want to be able to access what they’ve done on the go. Our app works seamlessly on all device types and sizes, making school trip logistics a breeze!
MIS Integration
We won’t be able to roll out integration to all platforms (although this will be our plan for as soon as we can). However, we are now working with a couple of partners to reach as many schools as possible with our MVP.
New Trip Creator
Our trip creator couldn’t be easier—answer some simple questions which are shared with your EVC, allowing them to approve your trip. As soon as the trip’s approved, you can get started with school trip planning!
Document Storage
Our document storage is cleverly organised to ensure documents are easy to find and only shared with the people who need to see them. All trip letters, packing lists, etc., are able to be found in just a couple of clicks—enhancing trip management efficiency.
Itinerary Builder
It couldn’t be easier to build, edit, and update your itinerary. What’s more, any changes can be seen in real time by all parents and staff associated with the trip. No more “What time are you..?” questions—school trip communication made simple.
Student Manager & Staff Manager
All details (including allergies and other medical needs) are safely stored in one easy-to-find place, ensuring student safety and staff coordination throughout the trip.
Group Creator
Create groups for whatever you need, really quickly! Drag and drop students and teachers to form groups and save them. Staff can then easily register students in any group, simplifying student management during trips.
Moments
And finally, our favourite aspect of this launch. Moments is our own social media feature, allowing trip staff to share updates whenever they like, only to be seen by parents of students on the trip. A completely safe way to keep parents in the know with real-time trip updates.
…And we already have plans for Phase 2, which will be even more exciting and due to launch one year from now. Are you ready?
