Commenting on government plans to roll-out rapid Covid lateral
flow tests in schools and colleges, Geoff Barton, General
Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:
“It isn’t perhaps the ideal moment to be announcing a huge mass
testing programme when schools and colleges are already under
massive pressure on multiple fronts and with only a few days of
the autumn term left.
“However, leaders would rather know what was on the horizon at
the earliest opportunity, and the availability of lateral flow
tests does have the potential to be a game-changer over the
course of the next term.
“Weekly testing should provide an extra level of reassurance to
staff, and, crucially, rapid daily tests for pupils and staff who
have been in contact with positive Covid cases should reduce the
need for self-isolation and the disruption this causes.
“It is essential that schools and colleges are properly supported
by the government to deliver these programmes.
“We need to understand exactly what is expected, and how this
will be staffed. The government tells us that reasonable costs
will be reimbursed, but its track record on providing financial
support is not good, and we will be seeking detailed assurances.
“These concerns aside, we very much hope that the availability of
rapid tests will help make next term less gruelling than the one
that has just passed.”
