ASYMPTOMATIC TESTING INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

Undertaking regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing helps reduce transmission of the virus. Parents and other adults in households with children at school or college, who do not have symptoms, can now access regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing. This includes childcare and support bubbles. Tests are fast, easy, and completely free. There are different ways for a household, childcare or support bubble to collect their test to take at home, twice-weekly:

• through your employer if they offer testing to employees

• by collecting a home test kit from a local test site – anyone aged 18 or over can collect 2 packs of 7 tests by ordering a home test kit online – please do not order online if you can access testing through other routes. This frees up home delivery for those who need it most

If you have any queries about the tests, and you live in England, please call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines). Lines are open every day from 7am to 11pm. Children of primary school age (and below) without symptoms are not being asked to take a test. Testing is voluntary, but strongly recommended to all who are eligible. Alongside the vaccine, washing hands, wearing face coverings, and maintaining social distancing, rapid testing plays a vital role in reducing transmission rates. Getting into the habit of regular testing as part of our everyday lives will help us all to play our part and do what we can to protect each other.

SCHOOL REOPENS TO ALL PUPILS ON MONDAY 8th MARCH

I am pleased to inform you that Barden Primary School will be open to all pupils on Monday 8th March. On this page you will find a letter from me to explain how school will reopen. I have also filmed a video message for you.

I cannot wait to see everybody back in school on 8th March! From Mrs Holgate 

ADVICE FOR FAMILIES TRAVELLING ABROAD DURING COVID-19

COVID-19 travel

Under current UK COVID-19 restrictions, you must stay at home. You must not travel, including abroad, unless you have a legally permitted reason to do so. It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays and other leisure purposes.

If you are travelling out of the country you will need to complete a PASSENGER LOCATOR FORM 

https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk  

Take a coronavirus test before you travel to England

You must have proof of a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test to travel to England.

You must take a test even if:

• you’re a UK citizen
• you’ve already had the COVID-19 vaccine

You must take the test in the 3 days before the service on which you will arrive in England departs.

For example, if you travel directly to England on Friday, you must take the test on the Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Short video on testing rules

How to provide proof of a negative test result

Your test result can be provided as:

• a printed document
• an email or text message you can show on your phone - make sure your device is charged

If you do not have proof of a negative test result

If you do not present proof you tested negative, you may not be able to board your transport to England.

If you arrive in England without proof you tested negative, you could be fined £500.

Where to take your test

You can choose to take a test:

• in the place where you start your journey
• in another country on your way to England, if you are travelling through another country

Taking a test on your journey to England

If your journey to England is long, and will involve stopping in another country on the way, you should try to take a test in the country you’re travelling through. This is so you take the test in the 3 days before you board the final service to England.

For example, if you’re driving from Germany and you stop for a few days in Belgium, you should take a test in Belgium.

If you’re travelling by plane and changing flights, where possible you should get a test within 3 days of your final departure point to England.

Check that you will be able to get a test

If you plan to take a test in a country on your way to England, you must make sure that this is possible before you set out. Some countries have entry restrictions in place, which mean you may not be able to get tested there.

If you do not have proof of a test because you planned to get tested on your journey, but you were not able to do so because you were not able to enter the country in which you planned to get tested, you will be allowed to board. But you may be fined £500 on arrival in England because you do not have a valid test result.

If you take your test in the UK

If you take your test in the UK, ahead of a return journey of less than 3 days, you must use a private test provider. You cannot use a National Health Service (NHS) test.

PLEASE VISIT https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england