Covid-19 News Updates

GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS AND CARERS 

The approach to managing COVID-19 has changed and advice is to take similar measures that you would for other respiratory infections.  

Free universal COVID-19 testing (both PCR and lateral flow tests) for people with and without symptoms was withdrawn in England on Friday 1 April 2022. Most people can no longer access free testing and are no longer advised to get tested.  Pupils and staff no longer need to test to attend a school or educational setting.

Children with mild symptoms of respiratory illness 

Respiratory infections are common in children and young people, particularly during the winter months. For most children and young people, these illnesses, including COVID-19, will not be serious, and they will soon recover following rest and plenty of fluids. Attending education is hugely important for children and young people’s health and their future. Children and young people with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or mild cough, who are otherwise well, can continue to attend their education or childcare setting. Children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and where possible avoid contact with other people. They can go back to their education or childcare setting when they no longer have a high temperature, and they are well enough to attend. 

All children and young people with respiratory symptoms should be encouraged to cover their mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing and/or sneezing and to wash their hands after using or disposing of tissues. 

If a child tests positive for Covid-19 

Whilst testing is no longer recommended, if you still have access to lateral flow tests and your child tests positive for COVID-19 they should try to stay at home and where possible avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the day they took the test. Your child should not attend school during this 3-day period.  They can return to school after 3 days, if they feel well enough and do not have a high temperature. 

If someone in your household tests positive for Covid-19 your child can still attend their education or childcare setting as normal.