Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice & Information

Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Testing

 

We have received the following government guidance in relation to Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Testing:

Undertaking regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing helps reduce transmission of the virus. Parents and other adults in households with children at school or college, who do not have symptoms, can now access regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing. This includes childcare and support bubbles.

Tests are fast, easy and completely free. There are different ways for a household, childcare or support bubble to collect their test to take at home, twice-weekly:

If you have any queries about the tests, and you live in England, please call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines). Lines are open every day from 7am to 11pm.

Children of primary school age (and below) without symptoms are not being asked to take a test.

Testing is voluntary, but strongly recommended to all who are eligible. Alongside the vaccine, washing hands, wearing face coverings, and maintaining social distancing, rapid testing plays a vital role in reducing transmission rates. Getting into the habit of regular testing as part of our everyday lives will help us all to play our part and do what we can to protect each other.

If you wish to participate, please note that we as a school cannot provide you with testing kits; nor will you be required to inform us of the results. The packs of tests include detailed instructions on how to complete the test, and how/where to record the result. 

 

Thank you for your continued support. 

Accessing a test

 

The fastest way to get a test result is to go to a testing site. You will need a pre-booked appointment or you will not be given a test. You can also order home test kits to be sent directly to you. To book an appointment or order a home kit, please visit here:

 

Only request a test if you or your family household members are displaying coronavirus symptoms.

 

Coronavirus - what you need to know!

Click here to access an information blog from Public Health England 

 

Make sure you and your children follow these general principles to prevent spreading any respiratory virus:

• Wash your hands often – with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or an alcohol-based sanitiser if soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home.
• NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111 if you need to speak to someone

 

Symptoms of coronavirus

The symptoms of coronavirus are:

• a cough
• a high temperature
• shortness of breath

But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.

The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

 

The importance of hygiene 

Personal hygiene is the most important way we can tackle COVID-19, especially washing hands more; and the catch it, bin it, kill it strategy for those with coughs and sneezes.

 

How to wash your hands properly

Wash your hands more often for 20 seconds with soap and hot water.

Click here to watch this short NHS film for guidance.

 

Teach young children how to wash their hands with the NHS handwashing song: Click here

 

Public Health England recommends that in addition to handwashing before eating, and after coughing and sneezing, everyone should also wash hands after using toilets and travelling on public transport.

 

Regular updates will be sent via SZapp and published on the website in 'Letters Home'. School are following advice from Public Health England and the Department for Education (DfE). 

 

Department for Education Coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline - this helpline has been set up to answer questions about the virus related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline.

• Phone: 0800 046 8687
• Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
• Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday) or 10am to 4pm (Saturday and Sunday)

 

Where to find the latest information:

 

Click here to access the DfE stay at home guidance.

 

Updates on COVID-19:

• https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
• https://www.facebook.com/educationgovuk/
• https://twitter.com/educationgovuk

 

Click here to see the full details of Covid-19 testing to all essential workers and members of their households who are showing symptoms of the coronavirus.