Let pupils have a Covid test, heads urge parents
SECONDARY school headteachers have urged parents to allow their children to be tested for Covid-19 when they return next week.
One Huddersfield headteacher has admitted that providing the Lateral Flow Test – which is voluntary – is “well outside of our comfort zone” but urged parents to get on board.
Some people who have had the test – which involves swabbing inside the nose and also the tonsils – have described it as a mildly unpleasant experience, particularly for those with a sensitive gag reflex.
Ben Stitchman, headteacher at Holmfirth High, says it will take a little time to give every pupil their first test.
Testing for some pupils started yesterday, while others will be tested on Monday and Tuesday.
Year 9, 10 and 11 pupils must go home after they have had their initial test, the school said. All pupils, except those with exemptions, will be expected to wear a face mask.
In a letter to parents, he said he understood that some pupils and parents would be worried about the tests.
“I understand that some pupils and their families will find this process daunting but if doing this means that our school remains open to all our pupils, I fully support it and hope that you will do as well. Whilst testing is voluntary it would be good to see the highest possible take up rate.”
The school is producing a video so that pupils will know what to expect when they return and are being tested.
Mr Stitchman thanked volunteers who were helping with the testing.
And he admitted that the testing process “is something well outside of our comfort zone” but said the school was determined to make it work “because we are desperate and excited to have our young people back in school.”
Other schools have reassured reluctant parents that their children will not be excluded from class if they have not been tested.
Kash Rafiq, head at Moor End Academy
in Huddersfield, says returning secondary students will be tested three times on site and again once at home in the first two weeks after opening.
In a letter, he said students will be informed straight away if their test is positive. Results are expected within around 30 minutes of the test being given.
Students will be tested and will be expected to then go home. They must return home after their first test. For the second and third tests, a positive test will mean they will have to be collected from school.
Mr Rafiq has reminded parents that tests are voluntary but are “strongly recommended.”
In the letter, he said: “We clearly cannot compel any student or family to take part in the testing programme, but the more people who participate in testing (and the more people who are vaccinated) the less effect Covid will have.
“If we are serious about children’s education, this is something we should all support if we can.”
And he promised: “We will not exclude students from class if they have not been tested, but it is clear that the considerable effort going into testing will be largely wasted if a significant number of families do not take up the offer.”
Parents and carers have been told that they cannot accompany their children onto the school grounds.
Similar arrangements are being made for Covid tests at North Huddersfield Trust School.
A statement on the school website states: “School will fully reopen on Thursday, March 11.
“All students must have a face mask and be in full uniform.
“We will contact parents who have completed the online Covid consent form about short appointment slots for their child’s first Covid test which will take place between Monday 8th to Wednesday 10th March.
“Students taking a test must return home immediately following their test appointment.
“Remote learning will continue until Tuesday, 9th March, and work will be emailed to students for Wednesday, 10th March.”
Horsforth School in Leeds has told parents that, following three tests within school, students will be asked to test themselves at home twice weekly and register the results with the NHS.
The school has told parents: “If a pupil tests positive on a lateral flow device, they will need to self-isolate for 10 days, and follow the guidance from NHS Test and Trace.”
YorkshireLive has approached Moor End, Holmfirth High, and local authorities for further comment.