New temporary measures have been put into force about PCR and LFT tests for Covid. This means that pupils and staff who have tested and reported a positive LFT result do not need to get a confirmatory PCR test. They should self-isolate and follow NHS guidance. However, you should book a PCR test if you:

• wish to claim the Test and Trace Support Payment
• have been advised to take a PCR test because you/your child are in a clinically vulnerable group
• have been advised to do so as part of a research or surveillance programme

LFT test results should be reported online at www.gov.uk/coronavirus. Please also inform us at school if your child has tested positive.

From Monday 17 January, people who are self-isolating with COVID-19 will have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative with a LFT test on both day 5 and day 6 and they do not have a temperature. For example, if they test negative on the morning of day 5 and the morning of day 6, they can return to their school immediately on day 6.

The first test must be taken no earlier than day 5 of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day. All test results should be reported to NHS Test and Trace.

If the result of either of their tests is positive, they should continue to self-isolate until they get negative results from two LFT tests on consecutive days or until they have completed 10 full days of self-isolation, whichever is earliest.