Statement made by , Secretary of
State for Education
On 15th December 2020 we announced that we would be deploying the
latest rapid-result coronavirus tests using Lateral Flow Devices to
secondary schools and colleges from 4 January to enable weekly
screening of staff and daily contact testing of both staff and
students who are a close contact of a positive case. This will help
us to find those who have the virus but are not displaying symptoms
and isolate them quickly.
The asymptomatic testing programme does not replace current
testing policy for those with symptoms. Anyone with symptoms,
whether they are involved in the rapid asymptomatic testing
programme or not, will still be expected to obtain a PCR test and
follow NHS Test and Trace Guidance, self-isolating until they
have received their results.
This testing programme, alongside other protective measures such
as social distancing and handwashing, can support school leaders
to maintain the continuity of education through the pandemic.
We can confirm that, as planned, the rapid asymptomatic testing
programme in schools and colleges is being expanded to
twice-weekly testing of primary school staff. Primary schools,
including attached early years settings, should expect to receive
initial deliveries of home testing kits to offer regular testing
to all staff from the week commencing 18 January. Deliveries to
maintained nurseries will be slightly later – dates to be
confirmed.
Primary school staff will be asked to take tests at home rather
than take them on-site following the recent approval of home-test
kits from the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory
Agency).
Primary school staff will be supplied with Lateral Flow Device
(LFD) test kits, which enable self-swabbing. They will be advised
to test in the morning before coming into school twice a week
(3-4 days apart). The LFDs supplied do not require
laboratory processing and can provide a quick result in up to 30
minutes. Staff will then upload the outcome of their test
(positive, negative or void) on the gov.uk website.
Taking part in the testing is not mandatory for staff and they
will not be expected to provide proof of having taken a test, to
enter the school. However, testing is strongly encouraged, and we
expect all primary schools to offer tests to staff.
Those who test positive will need to self-isolate in line with
the stay-at-home guidance(opens in a new tab).
As with all policy, this will be kept under review in light of
scientific evidence, and the government will provide further
advice if necessary.
