Home Test Kits will be distributed to students in college for them to bring home. Notifications will be messaged when these have been sent out. Testing should occur twice weekly. Ideally, we would ask that these occur on a Monday and Thursday morning before students come to college. However, as it is recommended students do not eat or drink for 30 minutes before testing, there is a short time for the testing to occur and as there is a 30 minute wait for results, if this is not practical then please complete tests on Sunday and Wednesday evenings before bed. Please ensure you wait the full 30 minutes before reading the result and reporting in. It is important not to wait longer than this in case a false positive result is obtained.
If a student has any symptoms of COVID 19, a PCR test should be booked instead of using a Home Test kit and isolation guidance followed until a result comes back.
At this time it is recommended that tests continue in the same manner during the Easter holidays to support the national testing programme. Any students who have been vaccinated can and should still be tested. It is advised that any student who has previously tested positive should not complete a test within 90 days of this, although you can if you wish but must follow guidance if a Positive result occurs.
Secondary pupils aged 11 should have the test administered by an adult when doing these at home, students aged 12-16 should be supervised by an adult but can swab themselves. Please note, tests are for students at High Tunstall College only and should not be used for anyone else in the household. Other family members cannot use them as we need to account for all kits sent out. You can book kits for your family in the following ways within the link to online guidance: https://bit.ly/3vbEkVr
Results should be reported (Negative, Positive or Void) to the college via: https://testregister.co.uk/join – an activation code will be provided to you in a personalised letter given to your son/daughter with their home test kit.
Results should also be reported to the NHS via: https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result. It is a good idea to set up an account as it will save you time in the long run.
If a student tests Positive with a Home test kit or if they receive two Void results, they need to book a PCR test to confirm a result. Guidance will need to be followed whilst awaiting a result which would include self-isolating until a result is confirmed. A Negative result obtained from a confirmatory PCR test would mean they could return to college as normal.
Test kits should be stored between 2-30 degrees and tests done between 15-30 degrees (a basic rule of thumb is to do both at room temperature). Do not store in direct sunlight and tests should not go in the fridge.
Your son/daughter will be given a home test kit if you have consented for your son/daughter to participate in the testing at college. Please note that by taking a test at home you are consenting to it. If so do not want a home test kit and receive one, please return this to reception. If you previously did not want your son/daughter to take part in testing but would like them to get tested at home, please contact the college office on 01429 261446 or email staff_admin@hightunstall.hartlepool.sch.uk.
The Privacy notice relating to the information we are collecting and share regarding the COVID-19 testing programme can be viewed on our website here: https://htcs.org.uk/statutory/.
Can I ask that families understand that a negative result is only a possible indication of COVID not being present or prevalent enough to show as positive at that point. It is of great importance that we should all continue to follow guidance around:
- HANDS – maintain good hand hygiene procedures in particular (washing/sanitising hands more regularly)
- FACE – wearing an appropriate protective face covering where social distancing cannot be maintained
- SPACE – maintain social distancing
These are essential in helping protect us all.
As always, please feel free to contact Dave Pickford, Assistant Headteacher for any advice, questions or support at dpickford@hightunstall.hartlepool.sch.uk.
Supporting Documents
A guide to regular testing for parents with children at nurseries, schools and colleges
Home Test Visual Guide
Home Test Step-by-Step Guide
