Asymptomatic Testing in January
Asymptomatic testing is done via simple and quick tests, known as Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests. They enable us to rapidly test students and staff, without the need for a laboratory. When done as part of a testing regime, the LFD is very good at picking up those with high viral loads (i.e. those that are the most contagious).
All secondary school students should have the opportunity to receive an on-site LFD test, on their return in January 2022. Parental/career consent is required before a student can be offered a test. Please see privacy notice below.
Please find below a short video of the test centre and instructions for students.
Why do pupils and students need to do a test on site when they return in January?
Testing on return is the most effective way to reduce the risk of transmission and support the continuation of face-to-face education. Given the expected increase in rates of the Omicron variant it’s important we identify any possible cases upon return to school to reduce the risk of transmission.
Is testing compulsory?
Testing is voluntary, however, we would strongly encourage everyone to join in the asymptomatic testing programme to help break transmission links by identifying those that may be carrying the virus unknowingly.
Positive Cases
Staff and students with a positive LFD test result should self-isolate in line with the stay at home guidance. They will also need to take a confirmatory PCR test to check if they have COVID19. Whilst awaiting the PCR result, the individual should continue to self-isolate. If the PCR test is taken within 2 days of the positive lateral flow test, and is negative, it overrides the LFD test and the student can return to school, as long as the individual doesn’t have COVID-19 symptoms.
Close Contacts
From September, close contacts will be identified via NHS Test and Trace rather than the school. Contacts will only be traced where the positive case specifically identifies the individual as being a close contact. Children will no longer be required to self-isolate, if they are contacted as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case. Instead they will be advised to take a PCR test. At this moment in time track and trace will contact individuals if they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Omicron and will be advised to isolate.
Home Testing
Students should continue to test twice weekly. Testing kits are issued in form and are available from the relevant Head of Year. They can also be ordered for free https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
All results should be reported via www.testregister.co.uk and the NHS.
Please do not send your child to school if they are unwell and are showing symptoms of Covid-19 which are a high temperature, a new or continuous cough, and a loss of taste and smell.
If your child is showing any of these symptoms:
- Call the attendance line on 01257 400990 to report your child’s absence
- Ring NHS 111 for advice and/or to book a test
- Continue to keep school informed – log test results on www.testregister.co.uk
If your child, or anyone in your household, is displaying symptoms and/or has been advised to take a test:
- Keep your child at home until you know the result(s) of the test
- Inform school
If your child becomes unwell in school, and has Covid-19 symptoms, we will contact you immediately and ask that you collect your child and get a test. Your child will be placed into an isolated medical room, away from other staff and students until you are available to collect them. We ask that you update us with the progress of your child’s symptoms and test result.
Please contact us if you need any further support.
