UPDATED: Arrangements for in school lateral flow testing and the return to school in January 2022

The Department for Education announced recently that secondary schools should plan to test all students, in school, once on their return to school after the Christmas break. Students should then continue to test twice weekly at home, reporting any positive lateral flow tests to the school via covid-alert@alderchs.uk

All our in school and home lateral flow tests are now NASAL only swabs which are much easier to carry out than the nose and throat swabs that we previously carried out.

Consent

Thank you to everyone who has completed the online consent form already. If you haven’t done so yet, please provide consent on the following link before your child attends for their test: https://forms.office.com/r/uLPWCi0xqv A paper copy of the consent form is available on request.

Testing is voluntary and requires parental consent; however, we would strongly encourage everyone to take part to help break transmission links by identifying those that may be carrying the virus unknowingly.

What if my child has already tested positive previously for Covid-19?

Updated guidance received on 2nd January 2022 suggests that even if someone has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days, they are strongly encouraged to take part in LFD testing in school and at home once they have completed their isolation period for their prior infection. There is no need to wait 90 days to start testing again.

If you want to withdraw consent for testing at any time you can email covid-alert@alderchs.uk If your child is over 16 they can self-consent but we would still encourage parents/ carers to discuss participation with their child.

Confirmed plan for lateral flow testing in January 2022

Covid-19 Testing Documents