Dear Parents/Carers.
Testing in school
Up to one in three people who have COVID-19 can spread the virus without knowing. This is because they have no symptoms. To reduce the spread of the virus, we need to identify those individuals.
As you are now doubt aware we are in the process of carrying out lateral flow testing in school and all students have been given the opportunity to be tested three times over a two-week period. This process is almost complete and we are now asking parents to support us in continuing the testing programme at home.
Testing at home
We understand that each child has individual needs. Many children will adapt to testing becoming part of their routine, others will find it more challenging. Taking part in testing is voluntary and all children will be able to attend school whether they take part or not. We hope that the option to take the test in the morning or the evening will support families to test at home.
If you agree that it is appropriate for your child to be tested at home, they will be able to collect their home test kits from their form tutors. Sixth Form students will be given their kits during PDD
We would like them to take their tests each Sunday and Wednesday.
Tests are free of charge. Your child will receive a pack of 3 tests in a box with a leaflet on how to take the test and report the results.
Students should ensure that they have enough time to do the test before going to school. However, we understand that for some people this may be challenging. Therefore, tests can be taken the evening before if needed.
There is no need to keep used test equipment. After the test result has been reported, you can put it in your normal bin (household waste).
This does not replace symptomatic testing. If you have symptoms you should self- isolate immediately, book a PCR test and follow national guidelines.
Test results
Once you have completed the LFD test you should:
- If your child or anyone in your household tests positive your household and any support bubbles you are part of should self-isolate immediately in line with NHS Test and Trace guidance for 10 days.
- You need to report your result to both NHS Test and Trace and school.
- You should order a confirmatory PCR test if you are testing at home (confirmatory PCR tests are not needed if the test was conducted at the Asymptomatic Test Site at School).
- If the result of the test is unclear (void) you should do another test.
- Negative and void results need to be reported to both NHS Test and Trace and school.
- A negative result does not guarantee that you are not carrying the virus. So, you should continue to follow social distancing, and other measures to reduce transmission such as wearing a face mask and regularly washing your hands and observing social distancing.
- If you or anyone in your household gets symptoms of the virus you should follow national guidelines on self-isolation and testing.
- You need to report each test result by using the NHS Test and Trace self-report website: https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result
- You will also need to tell the school the result of each test using the following link https://forms.office.com/r/ctmpp4Qrke
Taking part in testing is voluntary and all children will be able to attend school whether they take part in testing or not. I am strongly encouraging all children to take part. Testing at home will allow your child and other children to attend school and help to reduce the spread of the virus.
Please contact Sarah Tait, our COVID Coordinator, if you have any questions or concerns about home testing.
Yours faithfully
Stephen Hammond
Headteacher
