COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Testing Information
We are working to keep our school as safe as possible. Along with the other protective measures we are taking, these tests will help individuals 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.
Testing is voluntary, but we would encourage everyone to participate. Please see below for more information on testing.
Onsite Testing - January 2022
When students return to the Academy in January 2022, in line with guidance issued to schools from the Department of Education and the Public Health Agency, we are required to offer one on-site lateral flow test to all students, this will be supervised by trained staff.
The schedule for onsite testing when students return from Thursday 6th January 2022 will be confirmed to all parents prior to students returning.
Important - Your child cannot take part in onsite testing without parental consent. therefore, if you wish for your child to take part in the testing, you must register by visiting https://forms.office.com/r/dhtQZ413rc.
After the single on-site test, students are encouraged to continue testing twice weekly at home.
Home Based Self-Testing
All staff and students are offered a home self-test kit to conduct regular testing, at home.
You should self administer the test, at home, each Wednesday 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.
Please follow the steps below. We have created a quick glance guide too for ease of reference.
- Conduct your test at home using the information in the step-by-step guide provided in the box.
- Log your result on the NHS website - https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result.
- Log your result on the Padgate Academy website - https://bit.ly/3vT6GDj.
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.
Questions & Answers
How do I provide consent (onsite testing only)?
- 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 https://forms.office.com/r/dhtQZ413rc
- Important - If you have more than one child at the Academy, you will need to complete a form for each of them.
- For students under the age of 16, parents/carers will need to provide consent in order for children to be tested.
- Students aged 16 or over can complete their own consent form.
What if the lateral flow test is positive (home and onsite testing)?
- If the lateral flow test is positive, the person who took the test 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 48 hours.
- The person testing positive, 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 taken within 48 hours and is negative, it overrides the LFD test and they can return to school - their close contacts and other members of their household can end their self-isolation.
What happens if the test is negative (home and onsite testing)?
- If you receive a negative test result, the student 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 the test was negative.
What if a close contact at school tests positive (home and onsite testing)?
- 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.
- The 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 (home and onsite testing)?
- The lateral flow testing programme 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
