Covid Home Testing information
Your child may have come home with a covid home testing kit today (Mon 22nd March) please view the letter below from Mrs Cottingham, click the buttons below to see more information on the home testing and finally the youtube link to see a video with information on home testing.
First tests do not take place until Wednesday, we will send a link with a place to upload your results (this is for our knowledge, you will also need to upload results to the government website).
Privacy notice – Home testing in schools and colleges
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?app=desktop&list=PLvaBZskxS7tzQYlVg7lwH5uxAD9UrSzGJ
Dear pupils, parents and carers,
Up to one in three people who have COVID-19 can spread the virus without knowing. This is because they have no symptoms. To reduce the spread of the virus, we need to identify those individuals. We can do this in Parkwood Academy by carrying out tests at home twice every week, 3-4 days apart.
Taking test kits home
You will be able to collect your home test kits during registration.
We would like you to take your tests before school on Sunday and Wednesday each week.
You will be given a pack of 7 tests in a box with a separate leaflet on how to take the test and report the results.
Taking the test
You should take the test two times every week.
Make sure you have enough time to do the test before going to school. Preferably this would be in the morning before going into school. However, we understand that for some people this may be challenging. Being on time to school is important. Therefore, tests can be taken the evening before school if needed. You need to report test results.
Help and support is available, including instructions in different languages on how to test and report the results and a video showing you how to take the test.
This does not replace symptomatic testing. If you have symptoms, you should self- isolate immediately, book a PCR test and follow national guidelines.
Can I take the test myself?
Students aged 12-17 should do the test themselves with adult supervision. The adult may help the pupil to take the test if they need support.
Students aged 11 must be tested by an adult and the adult must report the result.
You need to report each test result
The result of each test needs to be reported using the NHS Test & Trace self-report website: https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result.
You will also need to tell the school the result of each test using the Microsoft office form that will be placed on the school website or via the text message that you will have received.
Why take part
Taking part in testing is voluntary and you will be able to attend Parkwood Academy whether you take part in testing or not.
I am strongly encouraging all pupils to take part. Testing yourself at home will allow us to reduce the spread of the virus.
Please contact Mrs Windle our COVID Coordinator, if you have any questions or concerns about home testing.
Thank you for your support.
Yours sincerely,
Gemma Cottingham
Headteacher