In-school Testing FAQs

What are the consequences if I do not give my child consent to be tested?

Whilst we strongly encourage Parents to provide consent, there are no consequences and the testing is completely voluntary. Your child will still be expected to attend school in line with our reopening schedule.

When will testing start?

Testing will only start when your child is back in school as part of the general return to on-site learning.

Who will testing be carried out on?

Testing will only be carried out on Students who have parent/guardian consent.

What happens if my child test positive?

If your child tests positive then you will be required to collect them from school which is the same process if they were ill. Your child will wait in an isolation room until you collect them. You will then be required to follow Government Guidance for self-isolating.

Individuals who return a positive antigen LFD test result must self-isolate immediately in line with NHS Test and Trace guidance.

What happens if the test is negative?

They will be able to stay in school and resume their activities as normal. A pupil will only be told if they test positive on a ‘lateral flow’ test, so if you do not hear you can assume it was negative. A small number of pupils may need to repeat the test if the first test was invalid or void for some reason.

Where will testing take place?

All testing will take place on the school site. We have created a specific testing area in our Sports Hall which includes a post-test waiting area and an isolation area if they test positive.

Will all staff assisting be DBS checked?

All staff that are assisting with the testing have a current DBS check.

What if I have given consent but my child doesn’t want the test on the day of testing?

If your child does not want to have the test when they are called they do not have to.

Is the test self-administered?

Yes the test is self-administered. We have staff on hand to advise and reassure but they will not carry out the test on any student.

What does the test involve?

The test is a swab taken from the throat and up the nasal passage.

What if my child is unable to do a throat and nasal swab? Are there any other options?

Yes they can either do just a throat swab or just both nasal passage swabs.

What have you in place if my child is upset by the process or has a positive test?

Pastoral training will form part of the in-house training on looking after young people. Our volunteers have experience of working with school age children. Our Year Group and Pastoral Staff will be onsite to provide support to any students that require this.

Will my child have privacy when they are tested?

Students will be tested in small groups. There are privacy dividers between individual testing stations and they will be with students from their own year group. Students will only be able to be seen by the supervising adult.

What happens if the test is negative?

They will be able to stay in school and resume their activities as normal. A pupil will only be told if they test positive on a ‘lateral flow’ test, so if you do not hear you can assume it was negative. A small number of pupils may need to repeat the test if the first test was invalid or void for some reason.

What if a close contact at school/college tests positive?

A close contact of someone in school/college who has tested positive for COVID-19 will  need to self-isolate as per the national guidelines. 

What if my child develops symptoms?

This testing programme at school is for people with no symptoms. 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 0300 303 2713 (Scotland) or visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.