COVID Testing
Dear parent / carer
As different types of testing are now available to the public, we thought it would be helpful to clarify which type of test to take in which situation. We ask that all parents / carers read the below information carefully.
PCR Test (Polymerase Chain Reaction Test) – This is the test to take if you or your child have symptoms
You must get a PCR test immediately for your child if they develop any one of the three recognised symptoms of COVID:
- A high temperature
- A new, continuous cough
- Loss of or change to sense of taste or smell
If your child develops symptoms, your child must not come to school. Your whole household and support bubble must self isolate immediately. You can only leave your home to get your child a PCR test. This should be done at a centre; do not arrange a postal test as this takes longer. You should be able to book a test the same day and have your child’s results within 24-48 hours. You can book a test using THIS LINK or call 119.
If any member of your household or support bubble develops symptoms, you must follow the above procedure and your child must not attend school.
LFD Test (Lateral Flow Device Test) – This is a test adults can take if they do not have symptoms
LFD testing is used in certain workplaces and has recently become made available to adults in households which contain primary and secondary school children. The purpose of these tests is to identify people who may have no symptoms but are infectious. While the physical act of taking a PCR and LFD test is very similar, the way in which the tests are processed and identify the presence of COVID are different. LFD tests are less reliable at identifying positive cases so we cannot accept a negative LFD test if your child has symptoms. This means you must NOT use an LFD test for your child or yourself if you develop symptoms. For further information on optional LFD household testing, CLICK HERE.
Reporting to School
Please continue to contact school to keep us informed if your child or a member of your household or support bubble develops symptoms. You should call the school on 0191 8141455 or email info@kingedward.org as soon as you can to notify us. Please do not contact your child’s teacher or the year group email. You must also notify us of the PCR test results as soon as they are received, whether these are positive or negative.
Thank you for your continued cooperation. If you have any questions about testing or are unsure what to do, please call the office where a member of staff will be happy to help.
Thank you
Miss Byrne
Headteacher
