By Gabriela Wyszynska, Education Reporter
The British government wants all secondary school pupils to be tested for coronavirus three times at school, and then regularly at home with rapid lateral flow tests.
Secondary schools will also be expected to retain a “small” testing site for those unable to test at home.
But teaching unions and some scientists are concerned about the tests’ accuracy, with research suggesting one to three tests in every 1,000 carried out may result in a false positive.
Some parents who are essential workers or work in hospitality have stated that they do not intend to grant permission for their children to be tested for coronavirus, as they fear that a false positive would mean they would have to temporarily stop working.
The government clarified yesterday that if a child tests positive after a lateral flow test taken at home, they can then take a PCR test. If that is negative, they can return to school.
“We encourage all parents to consent to testing. I have written to all parents, my staff have made phone calls and I have done a number of TV interviews to encourage BAME parents to consent to testing and take the vaccine,” said Mr Ashid Ali, principal of London Enterprise Academy in Tower Hamlets.
Only Years 11, 12 and 13 returned for face-to-face teaching on Monday. Years 7 and 10 went back on Tuesday and Years 8 and 9 will return today. All pupils will be in school from Thursday.
Students and staff will wear masks in classrooms and, to help reduce social contact around the school, there are year group “bubbles”, lessons have been extended, and breaks and lunchtimes have been staggered.