Dear all,

As you are aware, we have been asked to arrange for students to complete a lateral flow test before returning into lessons. Given the size of the school, we have to stagger these over two days:

• Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 will have their tests on Tuesday 4th January, returning as planned on Wednesday 5th January

• Years 7, 8,  and 9 will have their tests on Wednesday 5th January, returning a day later than originally planned on Thursday 6th January.

If you have already given consent for testing in September, you do not need to fill in the form again. If your child has joined more recently, you can find the form here. 

Students only need to come in for their test, at the time shown below, and should then return home. They do not need to wear uniform.

If your child is unable to attend, I'd be very grateful if you can instead have them take a lateral flow test at home. 

• Year 7 - Wednesday 5th January: 08:45-09:30 (Surnames A-L) or 09:30-10:15 (Surnames M-Z)

• Year 8 - Wednesday 5th January: 10:45-11:30 (Surnames A-L) or 11:30-12:10 (Surnames M-Z)

• Year 9 - Wednesday 5th January: 12:45-13:30 (Surnames A-L) or 13:30-14:45 (Surnames M-Z)

• Year 10 - Tuesday 4th January: 11:00-11:30 (Surnames A-L) or 11:30-12:00 (Surnames M-Z)

• Year 11 - Tuesday 4th January: 12:00-12:30 (Surnames A-L) or 12:30-13:00 (Surnames M-Z)

• Year 12 - Tuesday 4th January: 13:45-14:30

• Year 13 - Tuesday 4th January: 14:30-15:00 

As always, thank you for your support. I have included below information on Lateral Flow Testing - this is unchanged from September 2021.

Best wishes,

Mr Farmbrough

Headteacher

 

 

 

 

Rapid (Lateral Flow) Testing: Frequently Asked Questions (January 2022)

What is a rapid COVID-19 test?

• A rapid COVID-19 test (also known as a lateral flow test) involves a simple swab. Unlike the Innova test kits used last year, we will now be using a slightly different test kit which only requires nasal swabbing (i.e. no throat swabs)

• Students will be asked to administer this themselves, with a member of staff watching and giving instructions.

• Test results will be sent to parents by the end of the day.

What tests are happening and when?

• All students are invited to take one lateral flow test on site, at the time specified above. They should come in to take their test and then go straight home.

Is testing compulsory?

Participation is voluntary. Your child will only be tested if you have provided consent via our online form.

If you do not consent, we hope you will still continue to have your child take COVID-19 tests at home.

How will we be told the test result?

Test results take around 30 minutes to process, but then have to be uploaded onto the Track and Trace portal. This means you will most likely get your results at the end of the day - but if your child tests positive we will contact you immediately.

How many times do students have to be tested?

Students are invited to take one test at school. After this, students will still be encouraged to take tests twice a week at home.

Where do students go for this test?

Students should enter via the lower playground (by the car park). They should head straight to the Sports Hall. The sports hall will be the testing centre and staff and signs will be in place to direct you to the correct entrance and route through.

My child is new to the school; what should they do?

We appreciate that for some children who have joined recently, this will be their first test at Holmleigh Park, and we will be sure to guide them through it. New students will be registered ahead of their first test, but please make sure you have filled in the consent form in advance.

What happens if my child tests positive for Covid-19?

Your child and their household should self-isolate and follow the government guidance linked here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/ . They should also complete a PCR test to confirm the result; if this is negative, they will not need to self-isolate.

What do parents need to do now?

For now, you only need to give your consent (if you haven't done this already). You can do this by clicking here. Please note, you need to fill in the form one time for each child at the school. Children aged 16 or over should fill in the form themselves.