Dear Parent/Guardian
Thank you for your participation in asymptomatic lateral flow device (LFD) testing. Up to 30-50% of people who have Covid-19 virus may have no or very mild symptoms, but they could still spread the disease to others. Regular twice weekly testing and reporting, along with other preventive measures, helps limit the transmission of Covid-19. This helps keep our schools open and our community safe.
Quality Assurance is an important part of the testing programme. It helps the NHS Test & Trace ensure that test kits are effective and that tests are being conducted correctly. One of the ways the quality assurance is undertaken is by doing a ‘dual test’. This means that, along with one LFD test, participants are asked to do one PCR test. Comparison of the results helps NHS Test & Trace to ensure the quality of LFD testing.
Our school has been invited to participate in this dual testing exercise and I am writing to you to let you know what this involves. The Testing Quality Assurance is due to run from 4 January to 14 January, after which the school will revert to current testing.
What does Dual Testing involve? Students who are doing twice weekly rapid tests at home will also be provided one PCR kit by the school.
When students take part in whole testing on their return in January, they will be given an additional PRC test swab to take home and complete same day. Parents must then complete a quick and simple online form.
Further details are included in the Participant Information Sheet enclosed with this letter and on the school website. Participation is voluntary but we encourage you to participate where possible. If you are happy for your child to participate in this exercise, please click here to consent.
The deadline for consenting is Sunday 12 December. If you do not wish to participate there is no need to fill in the consent.
Yours faithfully, Mr S Harrison Headteacher
Please click on the link below to view the letter in full.
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