NHS Test and Trace: COVID-19 testing for staff and students

Mass testing in schools

 

Dear Parents

Following our letter of December 18^th about the National Covid-19 Testing Programme for those without coronavirus symptoms beginning in schools across the country using new, quicker COVID-19 tests known as ‘lateral flow tests’, we now wish to update you on our plans. Clearly, we will only implement these following a return to school, for which there is currently is no date.  

Before the announcement of the new national lockdown, we began rapid preparations for testing of staff and students at school. Since the beginning of term, we have continued our preparations, and we are beginning testing by offering tests to members of staff, as well as those to the very small number of students, who are attending school.

 

Kent County Council encourages students who are currently not in school to access the symptom-free testing sites, which have been established, and to consider booking a test once a fortnight.

 

Up to one third of people, who have coronavirus, experience no symptoms. By testing students and staff regularly after we re-open, we aim to help stop the virus spread and keep school open as safely as possible.

The testing is voluntary, but we will encourage everyone to participate.

 

Consent

If you are happy for your child to be tested, please click here to complete the online consent form and statement (one per student).

  Please click here to view the privacy notice that goes with the online consent form.

 

Lateral flow tests

Those taking the tests will be supervised by trained staff. The lateral flow tests are quick and easy, using a swab of the nose or throat. Staff will oversee the swab process and results take 20 minutes or so.

Where a result is positive this will be shared directly with the test subject. Where participants are under 16, parents or legal guardians will also be informed.

In validation studies conducted by Oxford University and Public Health England, these tests 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.

 

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). The 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 booking a PCR test, you 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/college tests positive?

 

A close contact of someone in school who has tested positive for COVID-19 will be able to return to school if they agree to be tested once a day for 7 days and the test is negative. If they do not want to take the test, they will need to self-isolate as per the national guidelines. This does not apply to household members or close contacts outside of school who will still need to self-isolate. Further details will be provided at the time, but if you would prefer to self-isolate instead of doing daily testing, you can.

 

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.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Sonette Schwartz   

Principal   

  

Charles Joseph

Senior Vice Principal