> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.supportwise.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Periods and bell times

> Create the school-week structure used by timetable planning.

Open **Settings → Periods**. Each period belongs to a weekday and has a name, start time, end time and timetable visibility setting.

## Choose a setup method

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Import from LISS" icon="download">
    If a successful LISS sync contains bell times, use **Import from LISS** to bring them into the SupportWise period configuration. Review the result before scheduling.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Quick builder" icon="wand-sparkles">
    Generate a standard day, review it and copy Monday to other weekdays when the structure repeats.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Single periods" icon="plus">
    Add periods individually when each weekday differs or only a small number is needed.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Recommended process

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create one accurate day">
    Enter teaching blocks in chronological order with the exact names staff use.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Control timetable visibility">
    Show teaching periods that can receive support. Hide recess, lunch, breaks or other non-teaching blocks that should remain stored but absent from the builder.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy only when the day matches">
    Use the copy-Monday workflow for repeated structures, then adjust exceptions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review the full week">
    Check the summary counts, earliest/latest time, day cards and detailed list.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Before saving

* Start time is earlier than end time.
* Periods do not unintentionally overlap.
* Names are consistent across days.
* Only schedulable teaching periods are visible on the timetable.
* Imported periods match the school's current timetable cycle.

<Warning>
  Changing or removing periods after allocations exist can affect how those allocations appear. Review dependent timetable data before making structural changes.
</Warning>

<Note>
  **Screenshot placeholder SW-012:** Period Configuration quick builder and week review, using fictional bell times.
</Note>