Dear Parent/Carer,

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

With the now famous Plan B in effect, it is important that we continue to try to stay as safe as possible and do our bit in reducing the spread of COVID.  In short, these are the things that we are all being asked to do involving school over Christmas and into the New Year to try to achieve this:

1. All staff and students have been asked to continue with LFTs during the Christmas period.

2. Any positive cases should be reported to track and trace as normal and, if one of our students will need to be off when we return, please let us know by email (including their return date).

3. All students who we have consent for will be tested on our return to school. This will start on Tuesday 4 January and will be just like we did before (with the same systems, process and staff). We have a database of consent, but if that has changed then please do get in touch with us.  

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.

As usual, students will need to take a further ‘PCR test’ on the same day. The simplest thing will be to book and visit a drive-through test site if possible, as it is faster than requesting a home test. 

What if a close contact at school/college tests positive?
You will be contacted by track and trace and advised on the next steps.

What if my child develops symptoms?
As before, 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 visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

We will support our staff and students throughout, but please contact us on if you need this information in any other language or format or if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support and please do stay safe and positive.

Yours sincerely 

 

Stephen Brady 

Headteacher