Dear Parents/Carers 

Returning to school from Monday 8 March: Lateral Flow Testing 

Many of you will have heard about the asymptomatic testing programme that schools are required to have in place in readiness for re-opening. Secondary schools are being asked to carry out three lateral flow tests on students, the first being required before face to face teaching resumes. We are currently planning our testing programme and how it will operate over the days of the week beginning 8 March. Your child’s start date will be confirmed next week and will be phased according to the testing regime we put in place.  However, please note that all students will be back in the classroom during the week commencing Monday 8 March. 

We will be in touch next week with a date and time for your child’s appointment for their Lateral Flow Test and date for returning to the classroom. 

Along with the other protective measures we are taking, these tests will help staff and students remain in school safely. Up to one third of people who have coronavirus experience no symptoms; however, they can transmit the virus to others. By testing and identifying those who would otherwise attend school, we will help to stop the spread of the virus. Obviously, this measure will be most effective if the vast majority of students are tested and we hope that you will be happy for your child to participate. 

In preparation for testing please would you read the consent form attached and click on the link within it to complete your consent

Results will be uploaded to NHS Test and Trace and will be shared with individuals and their parents / carers.  A student testing positive using the lateral flow test will need to be collected from school, and to self-isolate for ten days. 

To help us with our planning, it would be very helpful if you could complete the consent form by Thursday 4th March. 

I have attached some more information via the links below:

How to do your test: COVID 19 instruction leaflet for schools (publishing.service.gov.uk)