15.9.20

Dear Parents and Carers,

An update on testing for Coronavirus

In consultation with Wokingham Local Authority, as school leaders we have expressed our concern as to the difficulties our families and children are having accessing a Coronavirus test.

This does not mean there are lots of positive results at this time in schools. However, there appears to be an acceptance that there has been an underestimation of the amount of tests that would be needed with schools returning. We know as teachers and parents that children will have colds, coughs and other 'bugs', particularly as we enter into the Autumn and Winter period.

This has led to an increase of tests needed across all schools in the last week as the guidance states that any child with 1 or more of the 3 symptoms of Covid-19 - even if it is most likely a cold etc. - must be tested and await the result before any entry back into school.  This of course doesn't just affect the child, but any siblings and the family as well, who then have to self-isolate.

 I have been told that the following information may make it easier to book a test:

• 8pm in the evening and 10am in the morning are the best times to log on to try to book a test for a test centre closer to you.
• At 8pm they reset and open up appointments for the next morning. At 10am they open up appointments for the remainder of the afternoon on that day. So, for example, trying to book a test at 8 or 9 am in the morning is unlikely to be very successful currently.
• In addition, if you do have to do a postal test, ensure you post the test back in a priority post-box. This is included in the instructions in the pack.
• Also if a test is needed for a child, only try to get a test for the person or persons with symptoms - not the rest of the family. This will help the overall system too.

If you fail to secure a test within 5 days of the onset of symptoms, please let us know as you will still be required to follow the self-isolation rules.

Thank you to all parents and families who, whilst inconvenienced, have followed our guidance to keep the wider school community safe.

Kind Regards

Sara

Headteacher