COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Mass and Serial Testing Information
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 we would encourage everyone to take it.
We will be testing all staff and students who want to participate from week commencing 4 January 2021.
If you are happy for your child to be tested, please fill in the consent form (one per student) by visiting https://bit.ly/3n3dCcv.
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 (which take around half an hour from testing) will be shared directly with staff and students participating. Where participants are under 16, parents or legal guardians will also be informed.
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.
There will be two types of testing in place at school:
- Serial Testing – allows for testing of students and staff on a daily basis for seven days if they are identified as close contacts, removing the need for them to self-isolate.
- Mass Testing – allows for regular testing once each week for students and staff for those who have no symptoms.
Serial Testing
Previously, close contacts had to isolate if one student or staff member tested positive. Now, those who are close contacts can return to school if they agree to be tested once a day in the morning – known as ‘serial testing’.
Students will be eligible for daily testing for seven days if they are identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive.
Under current guidelines, up to a whole school bubble has to self-isolate if one student or staff member tests positive. From January, those in the same bubble do not need to self-isolate if they agree to be tested once a day.
Mass Testing
Both staff and students will be eligible for serial testing in the initial phase, though only staff will be eligible initially for weekly mass testing.
By testing staff once a week we will be helping to keep schools and colleges as safe as we can. We will also be able to keep more teachers, support staff and students in education.
Voluntary Testing
For staff and students, testing is voluntary, but those who are eligible for tests are strongly encouraged to participate to reduce the risk of transmission within school.
Close contacts of positive cases who do not want to participate in daily testing will still be able to self-isolate as is currently the case, in line with guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
Consent for children under 16
Parents/carers will need to provide consent in order for children under the age of 16 to be tested. Please complete the online consent form by visiting https://bit.ly/3n3dCcv.
Questions & Answers
How do I register for Lateral Flow Testing?
You need to self register in order to take part in Lateral Flow Testing at school. Please visit https://test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/register-kit/register-rapid-test to sign up. You will need the barcode for the test you're registering (it starts with the letter 'L'), which will be provided by onsite testing staff (you cannot sign up without this).
The email address and mobile number provided during registration will be used to send the result, within a day of the test. Test Subjects that are aged 13 and over can create accounts that save their details, so that they do not need to enter them each time they get tested. Test Subjects are encouraged to use their own mobile devices for the registration process where possible
How do I provide consent?
If you are happy for your child to be tested, please fill in the consent form (one per student) by visiting https://bit.ly/3n3dCcv.
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). School may 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?
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 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 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or 0300 303 2713 (Scotland) or visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
