You may have heard that the government has told secondary schools to test pupils for Covid using rapid Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs) when they return to school after the Christmas holidays in January 2022.
Current advice states that if someone tests positive with a PCR test, they should not be tested for 90 days, unless they develop new symptoms. For this reason we are asking that parents complete a new online consent form with this in mind, if they consent to this test taking place. This consent form has been sent to you via the school’s communication system via email or text at approximately 16.20 on 6th December.
The deadline for completion is the end of Thursday 16th December 2021.
There will be just one on-site test which will take place on the students’ first day back, meaning that a staggered start will be required. Further details will be sent to you before the end of term. Following this on-site test students should continue with twice-weekly testing at home. Test kits can be collected from tutors at any time, and we would ask you to remind them to continue to test over school holiday periods.
Those taking the test will be supervised by trained staff and volunteers. The lateral flow tests are quick and easy to undertake, using a swab of the nose and/or throat.
If a pupil tests positive on a lateral flow device, the student and parent/carer will be informed as soon as possible by the school and will be asked to self-isolate and follow Government guidance.
We will support our staff and pupils throughout, but please contact the year teams if you have any questions. You can also contact the school office by emailing admin@hdhs.school
