Dear Parent or Guardian,
Upon return to school, testing for pupils without coronavirus symptoms is taking place across the country using new, quicker COVID-19 tests known as ‘lateral flow devices’. This letter is to help give you more information about the testing programme in our College.
Up to one third of people who have coronavirus are asymptomatic. By testing we will help to reduce the spread in school and college settings through asymptomatic transmission. I am therefore strongly encouraging all pupils returning to school to be tested.
Plan for testing
We are currently testing all staff and would like to test all pupils from Monday 8th March.
How the tests work
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 the nose and throat. Results (which take around half an hour from testing) will be shared directly with the individual participant. The College will inform the pupil of a positive test result. Where participants are under 16, parents or legal guardians will also receive a text/email notification of a positive or negative result from the online NHS system.
What if my child tests positive?
If a pupil tests positive on a lateral flow device, they will be informed immediately by a member of our staff and will need to take a further ‘PCR test’ to confirm the result. This should be on the same day or as soon as possible afterwards. You will need to register for PCR test by calling 119 or visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test, they will then give you a time for your local test centre.
During the time while waiting for the PCR result (via text/email) they will need to self-isolate.
If the PCR test returns a positive result they will have to continue to self-isolate and follow the guidance from NHS Test and Trace.
What happens if the test is negative?
While a small number of pupils may need to repeat the test if the first test was invalid or void for some reason, pupils who test negative will be able to stay in school and resume their activities as normal. Pupils will be informed of negative test results via text/email. Where participants are under 16, parents or legal guardians will also be informed.
What if my child develops symptoms?
This testing programme is for people with no symptoms. If your child develops symptoms at any time (including 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.
How do I give my consent?
A consent form has been attached to your child’s Microsoft Teams account and can be found in their Year Group Team. This needs to be completed and submitted by you as their parent/carer by Monday 1st March. If you require any assistance completing the form, please contact your child’s form tutor who will be happy to help.
Without consent, we will be unable to test your child, it is therefore important that you sit with your child upon receipt of this letter to complete the form in Microsoft Teams.
We will support our staff and pupils throughout, but we are also available to support you with any questions that you have regarding this. You can contact the office by emailing info@epcollege.org.