Lateral Flow Testing
NHS Test and Trace: COVID-19 testing for students
In readiness for the schools re-opening, we are working to keep our school as safe as possible. You may have heard that testing for those without coronavirus symptoms is beginning across the country using new, quicker COVID-19 tests known as ‘lateral flow tests’.
Along with the other protective measures we are taking, these tests will help staff and students to remain in school safely. Up to one third of people who have coronavirus experience no symptoms. By testing we will help to stop the virus spread and help to keep our school open as safely as possible. The test is voluntary, but I would encourage everyone to take it.
If you are happy for your child to be tested when they return to school, please fill in the consent form on the link and press ‘submit’, this will then automatically return the information to us. Please inform us if you do not want your child to participate by filing in their name, year group and Date of birth, then clicking on Question 13 and submit.
Those taking the test will be supervised by trained staff. The ‘lateral flow’ tests are quick and easy using a swab of your nose and throat.
Results (which take around half an hour from testing) will be shared directly with students participating, parents or legal guardians will also be informed. The students will also receive a [text/email] notification of a positive or negative result from the online NHS system.
Testing will be offered free of charge.
What if a student tests positive?
Participating students who test positive will be informed about their results individually, parents or legal guardians will also be notified and asked to collect their child, they will need to self-isolate for 10 days and follow the guidance from NHS Test and Trace.
What happens if the test is negative?
They will be able to stay in school and resume their activities as normal. A student will only be told if they test positive on a ‘lateral flow’ test, so if you do not hear you can assume it was negative. A small number of students may need to repeat the test if the first test was invalid or void for some reason.
What if staff or students have been in close contact with someone in school who tests positive?
The staff member or student will be notified that they are a close contact by the school and will need to self-isolate for 10 days in line with Government guidance.
What if my child develops symptoms?
This testing programme at school is for people with no symptoms. If your child develops symptoms at any time (such as a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste) they must immediately self-isolate, and book a test by calling 119 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
We will support our staff and students throughout, but please contact us if you have any questions. You can call the office on 01582 576561.
