Swalwell Primary School
Working together, learning together
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COVID-19 Testing for School Staff
NHS Test and Trace: COVID-19 Testing for Staff
Dear Parent/ Carers, The Department for Education has recently announced that it will start a programme of asymptomatic Covid-19 testing in primary schools from 25th January 2021 FOR STAFF ONLY.
Along with our school COVID-19 risk assessment, staff will be taking COVID-19 tests twice a week. Testing will allow school to take further measures to help your child to learn in as safe an environment as possible. By testing staff, we hope to reduce the spread in the community.
What does this mean for my child? If an adult in your child’s bubble tests positive using the home test kit, you will receive a text by 8pm stating your child must isolate. All other family members do not need to isolate unless your child develops symptoms. Staff will then book a coronavirus test from a designated NHS testing centre to confirm the positive result.
What if the staff member receives a positive result from the NHS testing centre? If the staff member receives a positive result from the COVID-19 testing site you will receive another text stating your child will have to isolate for 10 days. No other family member is required to isolate unless your child develops COVID-19 symptoms. If your child becomes symptomatic, please book a coronavirus test www.gov.uk/get-a-coronavirus-test.
What if the staff member receives a negative result from the NHS testing centre? If the staff member receives a negative result from the COVID-19 testing centre you will receive a text stating your child can return to school the next day.
What do I do if my child has to isolate? Your child’s home learning will be uploaded onto Tapestry by 8:30am every morning. We ask you to upload a photograph of your child’s work to Tapestry for your child’s class teacher to mark. You can keep in touch with your child’s class teacher using Tapestry if you have any queries regarding the work set.
My Tapestry account does not work or I do not have a Tapestry account? Please call the school office on 0191 4334000 for support.
My child is isolating for 10 days and I do not have internet access or an electronic device? Please contact school on 0191 4334000 to speak to Katie, our Family Support Worker who will be able to support you further.
Please contact school on 0191 4334000 if you have any concerns regarding this letter. Take Care, Stay Safe Rachel Hocking Headteacher
A risk assessment has been completed for LFT testing in schools, please click the link below to view a copy