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Rapid Testing 03/03/21

Please see an update about our Rapid Testing programme below...

Please follow this link for a short video entitled 'What to expect for your first rapid Covid test at UCC'. Please could you watch this with your son or daughter before their first test.

Rapid Testing at UCC

Our logistical challenge has been planning how to safely test 900 students, whilst keeping them apart so that students can return to school following their first negative test. This planned approach will prevent those unknowingly carrying COVID 19 from transmitting it to other students, staff or spreading it to the wider community. Lateral Flow Testing is an additional risk mitigation step to ensure asymptomatic cases are identified before they start attending face to face lessons so that we reduce the number of students and staff contacts who need to isolate. Therefore it is critical that we all support one another by consenting to students being tested to keep our community safe.

Initially, students will only come into school on their designated testing day at an appointed time to undertake a test – this will be organised in tutor groups. Once tested they will then immediately return home. To do this we will be relying on parents/carers transporting students into school for the test to avoid any mingling with others. Once the first test has been completed, students will return home. If the test result is positive or void then you will be contacted by the testing team otherwise please presume it is negative. If you do not receive a phone call your child will be able to return to school on their designated return day. The testing and return to lessons dates can be found in the summary timetable below.

 

Thurs

Fri

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Mon

Tues

04/03/21

05/03/21

08/03/21

09/03/21

10/03/21

11/03/21

12/03/21

15/03/21

16/03/21

Test 1*

Y11

Y10

Y9

Y7

Y8

 

 

 

 

Test 2

 

 

Y11

Y10

 

Y7 & Y9

Y8

 

 

Test 3

 

 

 

 

Y11

 

Y10

Y7 & Y9

Y8

Face to face teaching in school

 

 

Y11,10

Y11, 10, 9

Y11, 10, 9, 7

Y11, 10, 9, 8, 7

Y11, 10, 9, 8, 7

Y11, 10, 9, 8, 7

Y11, 10, 9, 8, 7

Remote Learning**

Y7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Y7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Y9, 8, 7

Y8, 7

Y8

Remote learning ceases, other than for students who are self-isolating.

NB

*Test 1 – students should come into school for their test and then return home immediately, mixing with no-one outside of their household

**Remote Learning – on the days when students are taking ‘Test 1’ there will be only ‘On Demand’ resources provided by teachers, with no live lessons for that particular year group

There is a lot of information in the table above, so there is a summary of the arrangements below for each year group:

Year 11

Thursday 4th March - Students should come into school at the designated time for their tutor group and complete a test before going straight home

Monday 8th March – Students return to face to face teaching in school

Year 10

Friday 5th March - Students should come into school at the designated time for their tutor group and complete a test before going straight home

Monday 8th March – Students return to face to face teaching in school

Year 9

Monday 8th March - Students should come into school at the designated time for their tutor group and complete a test before going straight home

Tuesday 9th March - Students return to face to face teaching in school

Year 7

Tuesday 9th March - Students should come into school at the designated time for their tutor group and complete a test before going straight home

Wednesday 10th March - Students return to face to face teaching in school

Year 8

Wednesday 10th March - Students should come into school at the designated time for their tutor group and complete a test before going straight home

Thursday 11th March - Students return to face to face teaching in school

Lateral Flow Tests

Along with the other protective measures we are taking, these tests will help staff and students to remain in college 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 college open as safely as possible. The test is voluntary, but we would encourage everyone to take it.

Attached is an instructional leaflet with some more information about the test procedure. Those taking the test will be supervised by trained staff. The ‘lateral flow’ tests are quick and easy using a self-administered swab of your nose and throat. 

For every group, testing is voluntary, but those who are eligible for tests are strongly encouraged to participate to reduce the risk of transmission within schools and colleges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my son/daughter has had a positive Covid test result in the last 90 days?

Students are advised not to take a lateral flow test within 90 days of getting a positive result. Therefore, students in this situation should not come in for their first test on the designated day. They will be able to start back at school on the first day of face to face teaching for their year group. They will also not take the 2 further in-school tests and should not commence home testing until the 90 days period is up. Please let us know via rapidtesting@ucc.rutland.sch.uk the date when the student received their positive result so that we can add the details to our records and then advise when they can start home testing.

What if I can’t arrange for transport for my son / daughter to take their first test at the specific time?

There are 3 options available:

  1. Bring your child into school for a test at a more convenient time on the specific day for the year group – the testing facility is open from 9.00 until 3pm each day. Please e-mail rapidtesting@ucc.rutland.sch.uk with the approximate time and date to notify us.

  2. Bring your child into school for a test on a more convenient day – the testing facility is open from 9.00 until 3pm each day. Please e-mail rapidtesting@ucc.rutland.sch.uk with the approximate time and date to notify us. (Testing for students starts on March 4th)

  3. Collect a home testing kit from reception – these can be collected at any time between 8am and 5pm. Please e-mail rapidtesting@ucc.rutland.sch.uk to arrange. (These will be available from March 4th.)

Can my child just swab their nose or just their throat if they prefer?

Yes. Although the guidance recommends swabbing both throat and nose, if your child would prefer to swab just the throat or just the nose, then they just need to tell the test assistant at the time of taking the test.

What if I would prefer my son/daughter to take the test at home from the start?

We understand that some children may not want to or be able to take the tests whilst at school but would be more comfortable taking them at home. If this is the case then you may organise to collect a home testing kit from reception – these can be collected at any time between 8am and 5pm. Please e-mail rapidtesting@ucc.rutland.sch.uk to arrange your collection. Full instructions will be included. (These will be available from March 4th.)

What if a student tests positive?

For the first test, parents will receive a phone call from UCC to notify them that your child has a positive result and what to do next. You will also receive a notification by e-mail and / or mobile phone from NHS Covid-19 Notification which will give you further details of how to proceed. Your child will be asked to self-isolate for 10 days and take a confirmatory PCR test as soon as possible by following this link: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.  If the PCR test is negative then your child may return to school before the end of the isolation period.

Once back in school for face to face lessons for test 2 and 3, students who test positive will be informed about their results individually and sensitively. Guidance on safe travel and additional precautions will be provided along with test results. Parents will receive a phone call from UCC to notify them that your child has a positive result and what to do next. You will also receive a notification by e-mail and or mobile phone from NHS Covid-19 Notification. Your child will be asked to self-isolate for 10 days and take a confirmatory PCR test as soon as possible by following this link: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.  If the PCR test is negative then your child may return to school before the end of the 10 day isolation period.

What happens if the test is negative? 

After the first test, a negative result means that your child will be able to commence face to face teaching from the first date for their year group. (see table above)

After the second and third tests, a negative test result means that your child will be able to stay in school and continue their activities as normal.

Roughly 1 hour after taking the test you will also receive a notification by e-mail and / or mobile phone from NHS Covid-19 Notification confirming a negative result.

What if a close contact at school/college tests positive?

A close contact of someone in college who has tested positive for COVID-19 will be asked to self-isolate for 10 days. Parents will be notified.

What if my child develops symptoms?

This testing programme at UCC is for students with no symptoms. If your child develops symptoms at any time (such as a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste) they must immediately self-isolate, and book a test via https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test 

If I have been vaccinated do I still need to be tested twice per week using a lateral flow device?

The current guidance says 'yes' you are still recommended to be tested twice per week.

 

We will support our students throughout, but please contact us if you have any specific questions using this e-mail address rapidtesting@ucc.rutland.sch.uk