COVID-19 testing for Students at John Port Spencer Academy – September 2021

Thank you for your support with the COVID-19 testing programme. The asymptomatic testing programme is being paused for students in secondary schools over the summer holidays. If you run out of kits but wish to access rapid lateral flow testing, you can continue to do so by ordering LFD test kits from GOV.UK or by collecting kits from your local pharmacy.

We are unsure about the COVID situation we will face in September, however, (subject to public health advice) testing is likely to restart on our return. If it does, we expect to offer your child two tests on-site before continuing regular testing at home. The student year group return dates have been adjusted to accommodate the testing programme.

These tests are different to the previous tests, as they are nasal swab only (the throat swab used in previous testing is not required). The test is voluntary and consent is required from parents for all students under 16 years of age. Students over 16 years of age can self-consent to the test.

Here is an instructional leaflet which includes information about the testing process. If you wish for your child to be tested, you will also need to understand that as part of testing we process their personal data. Please read the COVID-19 GDPR Privacy Statement.

So that we have consent ready for the testing in September, please complete this form by Friday 20^th August: https://forms.gle/QGLQ6CE9zfyXbDfT7. We would appreciate it if you would complete the form whether or not you consent to your child being tested so that we know how many responses we have received. If you previously completed a form for the earlier COVID testing, please complete a new form for the 2021/22 academic year.

Test results (which take around half an hour from testing) will be shared directly via the NHS using the contact details provided on the google form.

Participating students who test positive will be informed about their results individually. Where participants are under 16, parents or legal guardians will also be notified. Parents/guardians will need to make arrangements to collect their child if they test positive for COVID-19.

A small number of students may need to repeat the test if the first test was invalid or void for some reason.

We will support our students throughout, but please contact us if you have any questions about the testing within schools.

Regards,

John Port Spencer Academy