The requirement to test students as they arrive (assuming consent has been given by parents/carers) and the need to carry out two further tests in the coming weeks is a logistical challenge with the number of students we have and the facilities available to us. However, this is an important part of the strategy for coming out of lockdown and we are all very keen to get back to face-to-face teaching as soon as possible. Therefore, we will be testing one-year group per day.  Following the first test, students will then return to face to face teaching in school the following day (please ensure your child/ren have a packed lunch this week).

Students will need to arrive at school with their tutor group and make their way straight to the Sports Hall at staggered times, to ensure the smooth running of the testing process, as set out below:

Students are not required to attend their lateral flow test in school uniform and may wear plain clothes.  It is important that they arrive at the time given so that we can manage numbers and contacts in school.  Students must travel straight to school for their test and straight home following this.

Anyone with Covid symptoms, must not visit the school site and should book a free NHS test and follow government self-isolation guidance until the results of their test are known.

We understand that some students may be concerned or anxious about taking a lateral flow test. Please assure them it is a simple process which takes no more than 5 to 10 minutes to complete. 

We advise students and parents to view ‘How to’ guides available on You Tube that help explain the self testing process - this will give you an understanding of how a lateral flow test is taken. This can be accessed via the following link Lateral Flow Testing. Following the three tests completed onsite, students will be expected to complete a self-test at home twice a week (further details on this process will be provided once all students return). Additional guidance on testing can be found on our website.

Face masks will now be compulsory indoors, including in lessons and whilst walking inside the building and must be worn at all times except when students are doing PE, dance or drama. The recommendation from the Government is that students do not need to wear masks outside though many will continue to do so. All of the other control measures that were in place before Christmas will continue to operate including staggered starts and ends to the day. Students will be expected to wear full school uniform to school on days when they have PE. Students are required to provide their own face masks. Any student that does not have a suitable face mask will be provided one and charged 50p per 2nd + mask given (all proceeds will be donated to charity at the end of the academic year).

Staff will be aware that during this week students will be attending their allocated time slots for testing – those students will miss part of their lessons for that day. Work will be set, as usual, in the Google Classroom and staff will be aware of when students may miss registration in a Google Meet while they are attending the school site for a test.  Students should catch up on work missed and also attend all lessons before and after they come into school for their test.  Students that do not complete a test will be required to attend all their remote lessons as normal and so teachers will plan accordingly to ensure that students do not miss out on learning.

If you have any queries regarding testing these should be directed to testing@lealands.luton.sch.uk and we will respond as soon as we are able. If you have yet to complete the online consent form please do so urgently at Covid Testing consent form  (please be advised we still require a return of this form if you do not consent to the testing process – please select no or N/A for the relevant questions).

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this return to school period.