Home Testing (Covid-19)
Many people with Coronavirus have mild, or even no symptoms, but can still spread the virus. With regular self-testing the spread of the virus can slow and help protect the most vulnerable in our families and communities.
Students have been undertaking home testing for some time, and will be encouraged to continue to do so, using the home testing kits the academy provides to them.
To view a how-to guide to support your child with taking these tests, please click HERE.
When should the tests be taken?
All home testing should take place twice each week, every Sunday and Wednesday evening. Each test will take about 15 minutes to set up and results will be ready after a further 30 minutes.
How do I take the test?
The NHS have produced a leaflet which will provide you with a step by step guide to taking a lateral flow test. To view this please click HERE.
We have also produced two ‘How to’ video guides; to watch a demonstration of how to take the test, please click HERE. For a guide to the contents of the home kits, and how to process the tests please click HERE .
What if the results are negative?
If your results are negative, then it is likely that you were not infectious at the time the test was taken. You must continue to follow national and local rules and guidelines regarding regular hand washing and social distancing where required.
What if the results are positive?
If your results are positive, it means you are currently infected with coronavirus and risk infecting others. You must notify the academy as soon as possible, and book a confirmation PCR test by either going online at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling NHS 119.
You must self-isolate in accordance with current national and local guidelines, which can be found HERE.
If the confirmation PCR test is negative, your child can return to school and normal activities can be resumed.
If the confirmation PCR test is positive, then you should continue to self-isolate for the remainder of the 10-day period.
What if the results are void?
If you get a void result, this means that the test has not been run correctly. You need to take another home-test. You should use a new test kit; it is important you do not re-use anything from the first kit.
If you don’t have another home-test kit available, you should book a PCR test online via https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling NHS 119.
Recording my Results
Once the test has been completed it is also important that you report your result, whether it is positive, negative, or void.
Results should be reported within 24 hours of receiving them and are vital in helping scientists track the spread of Covid-19 and spot any new outbreaks faster.
You can report your results easily online by clicking the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result
If you are unable to access the online service, please call 119 – lines are free, and open 7 days a week from 7am to 11pm.
