Lateral Flow Testing

Our ref:  TSE/lti

26^th February 2021

Dear Parent/Carer

Welcome back to Term 4! I hope that you and your family are well and keeping safe at home during these highly unusual times.

I am writing to you today regarding the Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) that we are undertaking in school.  This testing is a crucial part of the government strategy to identify asymptomatic individuals who have been infected by Covid-19, but do not have any of the classic symptoms.  By doing this, we can help to reduce the transmission of Covid-19 in our community – both in school, and at home.

As we prepare for a full return to school from the 8^th March, it is more crucial than ever that we have your informed consent for the testing to take place in school for your child/children.

We must have a response from every family to ensure that the process can be run as efficiently and effectively as possible. We would be obliged if you could complete this form even if you have previously done so to ensure we have a complete set of up-to-date details. Please do expect a follow up call from the Academy if you have not completed the form for your child/children by Sunday 28 February.

The form takes under 3 minutes to complete: https://tinyurl.com/1wiyi9b9

• The test is completed by your child – under supervision
• It consists of a simple swab of their nose and throat
• We process the test and upload the results to the NHS to aid their tracking of the virus and so they can text the number you provide us with to let you know the result
• If the test is positive, we will collect them from their lesson and isolate them whilst we wait for you to come and collect them immediately from school
• They must then, along with your whole household, isolate for 10 days from that date

Each student will be given three tests, each being between 3 and 5 days apart.  After the first Covid test students will return home.  For the second and third tests, students will complete the test whilst in school, and then return to lessons, remaining in school.

Following the initial three tests in school each student will be given two tests per week to take and complete at home. Testing at home will not begin before 15 March.  You will support your child and upload the result to the NHS website to aid their tracking of the virus and support the scientific understanding of the impact of beginning to open up schools and wider society.

Initial testing session times:

The test appointment times will be texted to parents on the afternoon before the testing session. Your child will be given a 25-minute appointment window, according to their learning family.

As ever we are here to support you and answer any questions, or discuss any concerns you may have.

We are looking forward to welcoming students back shortly.  We will write to you during the course of the next two weeks to give full details of how and when each year group will be brought in for their first tests and to begin their return to face-to-face lessons and teaching.

I would like to thank you in advance for your support with both the testing and the return to school this term.

Yours faithfully

Tony Searle

Principal