Covid 19 (LFT & PCR tests)

Please can I kindly remind all parents and carers that if a child or family member is displaying symptoms, children are not to attend school until a negative PCR test is received.  

There are different tests you can get to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19). The test you need depends on why you’re getting tested.

The 2 main tests are:

• PCR tests – mainly for people with symptoms, they’re sent to a lab to be checked
• rapid lateral flow tests – only for people who do not have symptoms, they give a result in 30 minutes using a device similar to a pregnancy test

Both tests are free.

From the School Risk Assessment:

If you have symptoms of COVID-19

Get a PCR test as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

You and anyone you live with should stay at home until you get your test result. Only leave your home to have a test.

Anyone in your childcare or support bubble should also stay at home if you have been in close contact with them since your symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started.

• Staff, parents/carers and pupils are made aware of the virus symptoms;
• Staff, other adults and pupils are instructed not to come into school if they or members of their household have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, or have tested positive in at least the last 10 days in-line with the guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection;
• Early Years settings follow the DfE guidance What to do if a child or adult is displaying symptoms, or is a confirmed case of coronavirus in an early years setting;
• Staff, other adults or pupils showing COVID-19 symptoms are sent home, to self-isolate for 10 days and instructed to book a test to see if they have COVID-19;
• A stock of PCR tests is kept on site for use in exceptional circumstances where it is believed there are barriers to the individual accessing a PCR test elsewhere;
• Staff and parents are advised that other members of their household including any siblings of the symptomatic person must self-isolate for 10 days from date of onset of symptoms;
• Staff, parents/carers and pupils are required to provide the school with details of anyone they or their child have been in close contact with if they test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or if asked by NHS Test and Trace;
• Staff and parents have been instructed to inform school immediately of the results of a test so that an assessment can be made of the potential impact on school;
• If staff or pupils with COVID symptoms test negative and have not been told by the Test & Trace Team to self-isolate, they can stop self-isolating and return to school if they feel well and have been without a fever for 48 hours;