COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Lateral Flow Testing Information
We are working to keep our school as safe as possible. You may have heard about testing for those without coronavirus symptoms 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.
The Academy will not be conducting tests for onsite from Monday 22nd March onwards, the following testing arrangements will be in place:
Home Based Testing
- All staff and student will be provided with home test kits for regular self testing, at home.
- Both students and staff should self administer their test, at home, each Thursday and Sunday evening. Some students may require parental assistance with administering their test.
- User guides are provided with the home testing kit, we have also made these available to download below.
Logging the results of your Home Test
When students and staff have conducted their test and they have a result (positive/negative/void), they will need to:
- Log the results on the NHS website detailed in the test information pack or visiting https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result
- Inform the Academy of their test result by completing the online form here - https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=w6gHo9IP20-ItlFOliquE4WDCuWH7cNIhiuEzWdWvARURVpEUkdOM0JLTFk4TjJUS1pBSFlYTThLNSQlQCN0PWcu
- IMPORTANT - If you receive a positive test result, you should inform the Academy immediately. You should immediately Self-Isolate, in line with government guidance and book a PCR test via the NHS website (https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test) or by calling 119.
Consent for Testing
Individuals can only take part in the testing if consent is provided. Consent will need to be provided using the online form, which can be found by visiting:
- Staff and students aged 16 or over can complete their own consent form.
- For Parents/carers will need to provide consent in order for children under the age of 16 to be tested.
- One form per individual will need to be completed.
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.
Questions & Answers
How do I register for Lateral Flow Testing?
You need to self register in order to take part in Lateral Flow Testing. 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' and 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 to be tested (or for your child to be tested if under 16 years old), please fill in the consent form (one per test subject) by visiting: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=w6gHo9IP20-ItlFOliquE4WDCuWH7cNIhiuEzWdWvARUNEs3STlKSjhFMkVMRkNRREpQRkNVUlMwRyQlQCN0PWcu
What if a student or staff member tests positive?
If a student or staff member receive a positive result from an LFD test, whether at home or supervised at school, they should get a confirmatory PCR test. The PCR test should be booked immediately either online via https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. The test should be undertaken within 2 days.
Staff and students who had a positive LFD test result, and their close contacts and other members of their household, should self-isolate immediately in line with NHS Test and Trace guidance and while awaiting the PCR result.
If the PCR test is negative, it overrides the LFD test and the staff member, pupil or student can return to school, and their close contacts can end their self-isolation.
What happens if the test is negative?
For staff and students who receive a negative test result, they will be able to stay in school and resume their activities as normal.
For testing carried out in school, you may only be told if the LFD test is positive, so if you do not hear, you can assume it was negative.
What if a close contact at school tests positive?
When a positive case is identified in school, we will conduct our internal track and trace procedures, in line with government guidance, to identify those that have been close proximity to the individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Those individuals who are identified as close contacts will be asked to immediately self-isolate in line with national guidelines.
This does not apply to household members or close contacts outside of school and they do not need to book a test unless they develop symptoms.
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
