COVID-19 Information

5th January 2020

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

Dear Parent or guardian,

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.

We will be testing all staff and students who want to participate from week commencing 4 January 2021. School will be closed until Friday 8th January to allow for preparations to be made for the tests to be undertaken, including testing staff members. School will open on Friday 8th January to all pupils and will remain open until Friday 15th January. When the school is closed, students will be able to engage in online learning via our website (www.appliededucationalsolutions.com). Students whose parents/carers have provided consent, will be tested on Friday 15th January. More information will be provided to those parents/carers who have given consent about the timing for your child to come into school to receive the test.

If you are happy for your child to be tested, please fill in the consent form and return it to the school by Wednesday 13th January at the latest.

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. Once the student has been tested, they will return home and can engage with online learning. Students for whom consent has not been received by 13th January will stay at home on Friday 15th January and engage in online learning.

Results (which take around half an hour from testing) will be shared directly with staff and parents or legal guardians.

We know these tests work - in validation studies conducted by Oxford University and Public Health England, they were shown to be as accurate in identifying a case as a PCR test (99.68% specificity). The tests have lower sensitivity but they are better at picking up cases when a person has higher viral load, hence the need to test frequently. Testing will be offered free of charge.

What if a pupil tests positive?

Participating staff and pupils 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.

Pupils 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). School will be able to provide these PCR test kits to perform at home or you can go to www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119 to book a follow-up test. If ordering a PCR test yourselves, they should choose to visit a drive-through test site if possible, as it is faster than requesting a home test. During this time while they wait for the PCR result (via text / email) they will need to self-isolate. If the PCR test returns 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?

All students who receive a negative test result will return to school on Monday 18th January. All students who have not had a test will also return to school on Monday 18th January. A parent 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 pupils 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 who has tested positive for COVID-19 will be able to return to school if they agree to be tested once a day for 7 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 of 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 or visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

We will support our staff and pupils 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 07949678173 or email admin@appliededucationalsolutions.com

Yours faithfully,

Chris O’Nions

Director