Student Covid Tests In School

You will receive a text with the date that your child’s year group tests will be (please send students in with consent form on this date).

NHS Test and Trace: COVID-19 testing for staff and students

Dear Parent or Guardian,

As you know, we have worked incredibly hard since the start of the pandemic in March to keep our Academy as safe as possible. That work continued over the Christmas holiday period and into this term and I would like to thank our incredible staff for their commitment and professionalism, which saw many working over the holidays.

As you know, the Government has announced that schools should only be open to children of key workers and to vulnerable children until at least the end of the February half-term.

These students, including your child, are therefore receiving teaching in school and a great deal of planning and risk assessment has gone into ensuring that our Academy continues to be as safe as possible for students and staff, in line with latest Government and Public Health England guidance.

We will continue to take decisions in the best interests of our students, working with you and keeping you informed every step of the way, while following Government rules and advice.

Information relating to NHS Test and Trace: COVID-19 testing for staff and students

You may have heard that testing for those without coronavirus symptoms is beginning across the country using COVID-19 tests known as ‘lateral flow tests’. 

Along with the other protective measures we are taking, these tests can help staff and students 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 Academy open as safely as possible. The test is voluntary. However, we are participating as a school and I would encourage all students and staff to take part as well.

We will be testing all staff and students who want to participate from week commencing 18th January 2021, extending this as more students return after lockdown.

I enclose an instructional leaflet with some more information (below) as well as a consent form (attached).

If you are happy for your child to be tested, please complete the registration form and consent statement (one per student) and send it in with your child on the day of their test. PLEASE DO NOT POST THE CONSENT FORM OR EMAIL IT TO US. 

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. For under-18s, staff can oversee the swab process.

Results take around half an hour from testing and will be shared directly with staff and students participating. Where participants are under-16, parents or legal guardians will also be informed.

Testing will be offered free of charge.

I hope that the information in this letter is helpful and clear. Please do ensure you complete the consent form attached, if you are happy for your child to take a COVID-19 test. If you have any questions, please email these to [email protected].

In the meantime, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continuing support. Please do continue to take care and stay safe.

Yours faithfully,

Dr Lisa Mason
Principal
Ormiston Forge Academy 

What if a student tests positive?

Participating staff and students who test positive will be informed about their results individually. Where participants are under 16, parents or legal guardians will also be notified. Guidance on safe travel and additional precautions will be provided along with test results.

Students will need to take a further ‘PCR test’ (similar to those done in local and regional testing sites) on the same day (or as soon as possible). You can go to www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119 to book a follow-up test. If ordering a PCR test, you should choose to visit a drive-through test site if possible, as it is faster than requesting a home test.

During the time while you wait for the PCR result (via text/email), the students will need to self-isolate.

If the PCR test confirms a positive result you will have to self-isolate 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 a close contact at school tests positive?

A close contact of someone in school/college who has tested positive for COVID-19 will be able to return to school if they agree to be tested once a day for seven days and the test is negative. If they do not want to take the test, they will need to self-isolate as per the national guidelines. This does not apply to household members or close contacts outside school who will still need to self-isolate. Further details will be provided at the time, but if you would prefer to self-isolate instead of doing daily testing, you can.

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 0300 303 2713 (Scotland) or visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

We will support our staff and students throughout, but please contact us if you need this information in any other language or format or if you have any questions. You can call the office on 01384 566598 or [email protected].      

     

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