Covid-19 Testing
When planning began in the Christmas holidays for our new Lateral Flow Test Centre, little did we know what a journey it would be! Starting with a socially-distanced Leadership Team Meeting in a chilly school hall in late December, work began apace to set everything up for return of pupils (so we thought) in January.
With staff trained on Monday 4th January and staff being tested the next day, we were ready to test our pupils on return. Of course, they did not all return, but we have been able to test staff and pupils in school regularly to keep everyone safe up until this point.
The good news is that we are set up and ready to test pupils, with robust systems and procedures in place, starting with Y11 today, followed by all other years next week.
The new challenge is to ensure pupils and staff are ready for home-testing, which will continue to support in keeping our community safe. The Stewards Family continues to work together during this challenging time, knowing staff and families will support in this endeavour to do their part in facilitating a smooth return and keeping pupils in school.
Mrs O’Sullivan, deputy headteacher, said:
“We are delighted and excited to be welcoming our pupils back to school next week, and all our preparations to do so safely are well under way. Including the huge task of offering everyone the initial Covid19 Lateral Flow tests recommended by the government. We know this is one way to reassure our community we are doing everything we can to keep people safe and to have an enjoyable return to school. It has been an absolute delight working with the Stewards Testing Team to create our Test Centre. The processing is robust and efficient, with a welcoming atmosphere; retaining the warmth associated with the Stewards family.”