RE: FACTS not FICTION23 Feb 2021 19:02
Re: Invitation for Parent Volunteers for our School-Based COVID-19 Testing Centre
Dear Parents, Guardians, Carers,
We hope this letter finds all Kingsdale families safe and well. As you may be aware from the Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday, it has been confirmed that schools will be required to reopen to all students during the week beginning Monday 8th March 2021. We will provide further details to parents and students about the school’s plans for a staggered return for different year groups over the coming days, as further guidance is released by the Department for Education.
As part of the reopening arrangements, secondary schools will be required to administer 3 initial on-site COVID-19 tests to returning students (subject to parental consent), alongside continued testing for returning staff. This new obligation requires a significant expansion of our current on- site testing provision.
As part of our planning for delivery of this testing provision and in order to address the logistical challenges posed by this temporary scaling-up of our current testing arrangements, we are seeking the help of reliable parent volunteers to assist with the administration of the tests which will take place during the school day from Monday 8th March until Thursday 18th March 2021 in the Sports Hall. Please note that no medical or clinical expertise is required and full training will be given to any parents who are willing to assist with this important step in minimising the risk of transmission of Covid-19 at Kingsdale.
Our on-site rapid testing provision employs the new, quicker tests known as ‘lateral flow tests’ or ‘LFDs’, which can provide a result within approximately 30 minutes. Students taking the test at the school will self-administer and be supervised by trained volunteers and staff. The lateral flow tests are quick and easy and require a brief swab of the nose and throat. Full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided to all volunteers who are able to assist the school and at no point will volunteers be required to be in physical contact with students or staff. Results of the test will be shared directly and confidentially with the participating students and their parents.
Parents willing to volunteer to assist with the administration of this testing regime can access the link here indicating the days on which they would be available to support the school. When we have received your expression of interest, we will forward further guidance regarding school safeguarding requirements, training and the specific days on which you will be required to assist.
Parents who are considering volunteering may find the following links useful as sources of additional information:
Company number 07407844
· Information on how the COVID-19 test will be administered at school – please click here
· Government guidance on COVID-19 testing in schools – please click here
Please note that to volunteer for this provision, it is no