Now parents join the Covid home front

Coronavirus testing kits are being sent to North Staffordshire families following pupils return to the classroom. We spoke to schools taking part in the new regime and provide answers to questions for people affected...

THOUSANDS of parents across North Staffordshire are receiving Covid-19 hometesting kits this week – to check whether their children have coronavirus.

The tests will be carried out every few days between now and the Easter holidays.

They involve children aged 11 and over and replace the tests which have so far been carried out in schools.

The same tests are also available to all adults who live in the same household as a school-age child.

The same also applies to childcare and support bubbles.

It comes as a handful of schools – including Discovery Academy, in Bentilee, and Excel Academy, in Sneyd Green – have reported coronavirus cases since all children returned to face-to-face lessons last week.

Pupils at Haywood Academy, in Burslem, will have lateral flow tests at home every Thursday and Sunday.

Principal Mike Dawes said: “In the event of a positive lateral flow test at home, a confirmatory PCR test should be booked online or by calling 119.

“While awaiting the PCR result, the student and their close contacts should self-isolate and should not attend the academy.

“You should inform the academy as soon as possible of a positive test result.

“If the PCR test is negative, it overrides the self-test lateral flow test taken at home and the student can return to school.

“We sincerely hope that this testing programme will minimise any further disruption to students’ face-to-face learning and are extremely grateful to the large number of parents and carers who have given their consent for their children to take part in it.”

The Orme Academy, in Wolstanton, has called for as many of its pupils to be tested for the virus as possible.

In a letter to parents, principal Mark Boughey said: “Along with the other protective measures we are taking, these tests will help staff and students to remain in school safely.

“Up to one-third of people who have coronavirus experience no symptoms.

“By testing, we will help to stop the virus spreading and help to keep our academy open as safely as possible.”