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Headteacher's Update

Dear parent/carer,

Pupils will shortly be moving to twice weekly, rapid COVID-19 testing at home. This is following their first three supervised tests on site at St Mary’s.

Up to 1 in 3 people who have COVID-19 have no symptoms and could be spreading it without knowing. Getting into a regular habit of testing twice a week will help stop the virus spreading, keeping your family and friends safer.

We have been asked to distribute Covid-19 home testing kits to all pupils and these will be sent home with your child on Friday 19th March.  Each child will receive two boxes, each containing 3 tests in the box with a leaflet on how to take the test and report the results.  Taking part in testing is voluntary but we strongly encourage all pupils to test twice a week 3-5 days apart, in the morning before school if possible and, if not, the evening before.

Your child should also continue testing twice a week, at home, throughout the Easter school holidays. We will be sending home extra kits for the Easter holiday before term ends.  

This does not replace testing for those with symptoms. If you have symptoms you must self-isolate immediately, book a PCR test and follow national guidelines.

Reporting results

It is really important that test results are reported online straight away at www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result. All results need to be recorded including negative or void results.

Results can also be reported via telephone by calling 119 (free from mobiles and landlines). Lines are open every day, 7am to 11pm.

It is important to keep a note of your child’s results and share these with us at St Mary’s by completing the school’s online form by clicking here.

If your child receives a positive result, your child and your household should self-isolate immediately in line with NHS Test and Trace guidance for 10 days and order a confirmatory PCR test.

If you have any concerns about home testing then please email us at admin@st-maryshigh.hereford.sch.uk.

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours faithfully

Stuart Wetson
Headteacher