
Dear Parent or guardian,
We are working to keep our school as safe as possible. You may have heard that testing for those without coronavirus symptoms is planned to take place as students return to school from Mon 8 Mar. The testing uses the quick 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 I would strongly encourage everyone to take it.
We are finalising the schedule for when students will return during the week beginning Mon 8 Mar and will communicate this soon. As per the recent Government announcement, we are offering tests to all Heathfield Community School students when they return to school. Participating students will have a scheduled first test followed by a second test 3-5 days later, and then a third test another 3-5 days later. These will happen during the school day. Further down are some frequently asked questions that provide more information about what happens in the event of the different test results.
If you are happy for your child to be tested, please fill in the consent form (one per student) attached or click this link https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=evXzFh8sH0SOI5kHz4NMF1SSr9f7DnZCn7dYC7fzrLJUMjZDOVc5VERYQ0FBTE9WNk5CWUQzQ09FTS4u to complete the consent online. No student will be able to participate in the testing without consent. If your child will be taking part in testing please complete the consent form as soon as possible to help us understand the number of students we will be testing.
We will also register the test on the Government’s NHS Test & Trace system using the data we hold for your child. Doing this will mean the test result is sent to the mobile phone number and/or email address we hold for you. In the event of a positive test, NHS Test & Trace will use this phone number to contact you about any potential close contacts your child may have had outside of school.
The test is self-administered and those taking the test will be supervised and guided by trained staff. The ‘lateral flow’ tests are quick and easy using a swab of your nose and throat.
We know these tests work - in validation studies conducted by Oxford University and Public Health England, they were shown to be as accurate in identifying a case as a PCR test (99.68% specificity). The tests have lower sensitivity but they are better at picking up cases when a person has higher viral load, hence the need to test frequently.
Testing will be offered free of charge.
Yours faithfully,
Peter Hoare
Head
Heathfield Community School
Frequently asked questions…
What if a student tests positive?
Participating staff and students who test positive will be informed about their results individually. Where participants are under 16, parents or legal guardians will also be notified. Guidance on safe travel and additional precautions will be provided along with test results.
Students will need to take a further ‘PCR test’ (similar to those done in local and regional testing sites) on the same day (or as soon as possible). School will be able to provide these PCR test kits to perform at home or you can go to www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119 to book a follow-up test. If ordering a PCR test yourselves, they should choose to visit a drive-through test site if possible, as it is faster than requesting a home test.
During this time while they wait for the PCR result (via text / email) they will need to self-isolate.
If the PCR test returns a positive result you will have to self-isolate and follow the guidance from NHS Test and Trace.
What happens if the test is negative?
They will be able to stay in school and resume their activities as normal. A student will only be told if they test positive on a ‘lateral flow’ test, so if you do not hear you can assume it was negative. A small number of students may need to repeat the test if the first test was invalid or void for some reason.
What if a close contact at school tests positive?
A close contact of someone in school who has tested positive for COVID-19 will have to self-isolate and follow the guidance from NHS Test and Trace.
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.
We will support our staff and students throughout, but please contact us if you need this information in any other language or format or if you have any questions. You can call the office on 01823 412396 or email covidnhs@heathfieldcommunityschool.co.uk.
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