COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Lateral Flow 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.

Students can only take part in testing if consent is provided. For students under the age of 16, parents / carers will need to provide consent in order for children to be tested. Please see below for more information on testing.

The following testing arrangements are in place at Padgate Academy.

When students return to school in September 2021, they will be offered two on-site lateral flow tests.  

These tests will take place over the first week that the students return, with tests being conducted 3-5 days apart.

Those taking the test will be supervised by trained staff and volunteers. The lateral flow tests are

quick and easy to undertake, using a swab of either the nose and throat or both nostrils.

We have created a schedule of when these tests will be conducted, below for your reference.

After the two initial on-site tests, all students are encouraged to continue testing at home twice each week.  

Further updates will be provided when students are asked to stop testing, in line with government guidance.

How do I register for Lateral Flow Testing (onsite testing only)?

1. When your child is tested as part of the lateral flow testing programme, they will be handed a registration card containing a barcode and instructions on how to register their test.  This must be done within 24 hours of them taking the test.
2. Please visit https://test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/register-kit 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).
3. The email address and mobile number provided during registration will be used to send the result, within a day of the test.  Test Subjects are encouraged to use their own mobile devices for the registration process where possible

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/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=w6gHo9IP20-ItlFOliquE4WDCuWH7cNIhiuEzWdWvARUQjJFM09KS1JFTUhRNlBPMkJETVhRNEJWRCQlQCN0PWcu
• 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