January 2022 Rapid Lateral Flow Testing

In line with increased measures announced by the government to minimise the spread of Covid-19, we will again be issuing students with home-testing kits this week. Regular testing will help to reduce the spread in school settings through asymptomatic transmission and is something we have continually encouraged.

In addition to regular home testing the DFE have also asked that schools conduct on-site testing when students return to school following the Christmas break in January.

Like home-testing, we encourage participation in onsite testing, but this testing remains voluntary. Your consent is again required for us to administer a test on site to your child. We are asking all parents to complete the consent form via the link below, even if consent has been provided previously, to ensure we are acting in accordance with your current wishes. The information that follows in this letter will allow you to make an informed decision.

To support our preparations for January, we ask that this form is completed by Monday 13th December. You can alternatively update your consent through our Parent App. If you have recently updated your parental consent through this method then you will not need to do this again unless you wish to change your response.

What does the test involve?
Students will administer the test themselves and will be supervised by trained staff, in the same way as when we completed the testing in March and September 2021. The lateral flow tests are quick and easy to undertake, using a swab of the throat and/or nose. The results take around 30 minutes and we will inform the student of a positive test result. Where participants are under 16, parents or legal guardians will also be informed.

What if my child tests positive?
If a student tests positive on a lateral flow device they, and their parents/carers, will be informed immediately 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. 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 students may need to repeat the test if the first test was invalid or void for some reason, students who test negative will be able to stay in school and resume their activities as normal. Students will be informed of negative test results via text/email from the online NHS system. Where participants are under 16, parents or legal guardians will also be informed.

What if staff or students have been in close contact with someone in school who tests positive? Close contacts will be identified by the NHS Track and Trace service and the appropriate advice about any required isolation will be provided.

Thank you in advance for your continued support and partnership. If you have any further questions, please contact me via email at kerry.prior@corbybusinessacademy.org or call 01536 303120.