In order to bring everyone back to school safely and without us having to stagger the start days for our pupils we are asking that you support us by testing your secondary and post 16 age students twice for Covid-19 before school starts on Tuesday. The Government have asked schools to test all secondary and post 16 age children twice in school before the start of term. We do not feel that this is appropriate for our pupils and hope that you will support us to keep everyone safe by carrying out these tests at home.

One test could be done on Friday/Saturday and another on Monday night/Tuesday morning.

If you need more lateral flow test kits we have plenty in school and these can be collected from the school office this Friday, 3^rd September, or on Monday 6^th. We also have a limited supply of nasal only swab kits if you feel that these would be easier to use.

Current guidance has also stated that testing should continue to be carried out twice weekly until the end of September when this will be reviewed.

We understand that each child has individual needs. Many children will have already adapted 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.

This does not replace symptomatic testing. If you have symptoms you should self- isolate immediately, book a PCR test and follow national guidelines.   

What should you do after the LFD test? 

If anyone tests positive you should book a confirmatory PCR test. In the meantime you and your household should follow the most up to date Government guidance.

You need to report your result to both NHS Test and Trace and school, even if the test is negative or void you still need to report it.

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 in crowded places and regularly washing your hands and observing social distancing.

You need to report each test result 

The result of each test needs to be reported using the NHS Test & Trace self-report website: https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result.  

You will also need to tell the school the result of each test by emailing covid@priorywoodsschool.com or by ringing school on 01642 770540. 

Why testing is important

Taking part in testing is voluntary and all children will be able to attend school whether they take part in testing or not.

We are 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 Emma Fox our COVID Coordinator, if you have any questions or concerns about home testing.  

Thank you for your support.

Janis French 

Head Teacher

 

Please see the attached for a FAQ.