Monday 10^th May 2021

Re: Coronavirus Testing – Lateral Flow Test Vs PCR Test

Dear Parents/Carers,

We would like to clarify the procedures in place if children are showing symptoms of COVID-19.

The main symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot, for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
• a loss or change to sense of smell or taste – this means they cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

If children have any of these symptoms they should not attend school. Any child who displays symptoms at school will be isolated and parents/carers will be asked to collect them. You should follow the instructions below if your child has symptoms.

What to do if your child has symptoms

If your child has any of the main symptoms of COVID-19:

1. Get a PCR test (test that is sent to a lab) to check if they have COVID-19 as soon as possible
2. You, your child and anyone else you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get the test result – only leave your home to have the test.

Anyone in your childcare or support bubble should also stay at home if your child has been in close contact with them since their symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started.

Please note that if you, or your child, are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, you MUST book a PCR test. Rapid lateral flow tests help to find cases in people who may have no symptoms, but are still infectious and can give the virus to others. Lateral flow tests are not appropriate if your child has symptoms.

We ask that you help us to keep the school open and follow the procedures, accessing a PCR test if your child has symptoms. Please inform the school office of your child’s PCR test result immediately, whether this is negative or positive.

Thank you for your continued support,

Mr David Webster and Miss Anna Woolridge

Head of Upper and Lower School