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Lateral Flow tests in January

7^h December 2021

Dear Parent/Carer

Covid-19 Rapid Testing in School for January 2022

Further to the Department of Education statement about the students returning to school in January, we need to inform you about the Covid-19 Rapid Testing that will be used in school. The intention is to offer students the opportunity to self-test in school prior to their return. The first test will be on Tuesday 4^th January (teacher training day) and the second on Friday 7^th January, with both sessions being am only.

Participation in the rapid testing programme in school is voluntary and attendance at school is unaffected if you decide not to bring your child on 4^th January. The Government guidance states that testing is ‘voluntary but strongly encouraged’, although you may choose to continue to administer self-testing at home as before. There is no cost for those being tested.

The rapid tests available to schools add another tool to our coronavirus control measures, by attempting to identify those returning to school that may have the virus but are not displaying symptoms.

Current guidelines are:

If you have a positive result your child will be required to self-isolate until a PCR is undertaken and the results are confirmed. If the result is negative, your child will be able to return to school. However, a positive PCR will result in your child being required to isolate for 10 days. Children will not be identified as close contacts by school, but may still be contacted by NHS Track and Trace. Children will continue to be encouraged to undertake twice weekly home testing.

If you would like your child to complete their lateral flow tests in school on Tuesday 4^th January (teacher training day) and Friday 7^th January then please content using this link.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=N8McgZMDrkqueMJmrghoKn8FLYoBRotJnFuBUQSeVvZUMkY2MlJWQ1c4VEMyRjhTTTIyNkxYS0lWNC4u

Please only consent if you intend to bring your child in to school on Tuesday 4^th January (teacher training day) so we have a clear idea of the number of staff required to manage the testing site. Once we have an indication of numbers you will receive an email with the time we would like you to attend. The deadline for completing the form is Friday 10^th December at 9.00 am.

If you choose for your child to self-test at home then please can you enter their test results onto the following link.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=N8McgZMDrkqueMJmrghoKn8FLYoBRotJnFuBUQSeVvZUOE1CQkgwMTZZVDJFSFJXRlpVQzQ3MTlERS4u

The students have been self-testing using the lateral flow devices since March, so they know the process already and are competent in the procedure.

Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding during these challenging times.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Keelan-Edwards

Deputy Headteacher