Mass Asymptomatic Testing

The government has started a programme of rapid asymptomatic testing from the start of January for children and young people in year 7 and above (or equivalent) in all schools.

The objectives of this programme are to:

• keep education settings open

• ensure as many pupils as possible are receiving high quality, face-to-face education

• help safeguard the health of the staff of education settings and their pupils

• break chains of transmission of the virus

At GUST Independent School, we have already begun delivering our testing programme as we look to keep pupils and staff as safe as possible during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

We recognise that the self-swabbing may cause concerns for some children and young people with SEND. Some of these concerns may be alleviated by discussing them with the child or young person, agreeing strategies with school to help reduce anxiety and putting in place any reasonable adjustments.

At GUST Independent School we will look to conduct testing in the most suitable way we see fit. This may include:

• prioritising those who may struggle with maintaining social distancing, those known to a social worker and those who are children of critical workers

• providing more time for those who may need longer preparations to help reduce their anxiety about the prospect of testing

Testing is voluntary, but those who are eligible for tests are strongly encouraged to participate to reduce the risk of transmission within schools and colleges.

Even if the child or young person and/or the parent or legal guardian has given consent, if the individual at any point is not willing to participate in testing then that choice will be respected.

If you would like to know any further details about our testing programme, please contact the school by usual means on 01670 850943 or info@gustschool.com.