Dear Parent or Carer

We were all set to send this letter out on the 4th January, but then the country went into lockdown.

We are working to keep our school as safe as possible. You may have heard that testing for those without coronavirus symptoms is beginning across the country using new, quicker COVID-19 tests known as ‘lateral flow tests’.

Along with the other protective measures we are taking, these tests will help staff and students to remain in school safely. Up to one third of people who have coronavirus experience no symptoms. By testing we will help to stop the virus spread and help to keep our school open as safely as possible. This will need consent from parents and is not compulsory.

Once the government decides that the conditions are right to plan for reopening schools fully, we will be looking at commencing mass testing of whole year groups before students start coming back in for their regular lessons.

We expect to start rapid testing with key staff who are currently working in school. After this, we hope to roll out rapid testing to the children of Key Workers and Vulnerable students in school where consent has been given.

I enclose an instructional leaflet with some more information. You may also like to view this video How Lateral Flow Testing Works

If you are happy for your child to be tested, please complete this consent statement (one per student)

Early completion of consent statements by parents will be really helpful in our forward planning for our students’ return to school, when confirmed by the government.

Those taking the test will be supervised by trained staff. The ‘lateral flow’ tests are quick and easy using a swab of your nose and throat. For under 18s, staff can oversee the swab process.

Please read through this list of Frequently Asked Questions for further information.

We will support our staff and students throughout, but please contact us if you need this information in any other language or format or if you have any questions. You can call the office on 01264 364533 or email adminoffice@harrowway.hants.sch.uk.

M J SERRIDGE