Just in case you don't know - if kids in school refuse to take lateral flow test NOTHING HAPPENS

[LaurieFairyCake]

They just go into lessons like normal

Schools not allowed to send them home

Dh has had 30 parents so far email in to say they don't consent for their children to be tested

And as for masks (compulsory now) - yeah, schools are allowed to make it a rule but they're NOT allowed to exclude them if the don't

Are we all reassured by this utter bullshit?

Nope, thought not

Good. The tests are unreliable and the masks are germ-ridden sodden rags by break time.

Having this problem with my DC school atm. They're pushing the testing so much.

What do you want to happen?

No child can or should be denied education because of the lack of a test, whatever the reason they didn't have it.

Those most likely to refuse are very often the ones education and/or "the system" is already letting down. This virus has made already very self centred people, entirely unable to see any pov except their own or to even try and understand others' position.

Children need to be in school even/especially those who can't or won't test .

These measures are about protecting the school community & the child's family - to reduce the risk of them taking covid home & potentially infecting a vulnerable family member.

Its about recognising our collective responsibility to act to minimise the risk for all.

The children need to learn, and the teachers are there to educate.

The refusal of the test is down to the parent.

I'm just not bothered I'm afraid.

Children are extremely unlikely to be ill if they catch it.

We are well underway vaccinating those who are at risk if death or hospitalisation.

So let's just crack on with educating them.

My Dd is at college and gets there by train. We want her to have the lateral flow tests but the first 3 have to be done in college...she then needs to have a parent / friend on hand to bring her home if any of them prove positive as she quite rightly can't use public transport. I don't drive, friends are working and parents self-isolating so she has no option to return without doing them.

Well obviously. What did you think would happen?

@GintyMcGinty

I'm just not bothered I'm afraid.

Children are extremely unlikely to be ill if they catch it.

We are well underway vaccinating those who are at risk if death or hospitalisation.

So let's just crack on with educating them.

Good job there's no adults in schools then

Oh FFS, just let us get back to it. Can’t wait to start back at work tomorrow. I certainly won’t be bothered if my students test or don’t.

@Barrantsvidal 100%
@catcup, even if parents give consent, it’s up to the individual student on the day to give their consent for testing.

Mine will be getting tested and wearing a mask. He has no medical reason not to. He’s been lucky enough to get a first dose of the vaccine. But it’s not just about him. It’s about protecting staff and other students.

@Wolfiefan

Mine will be getting tested and wearing a mask. He has no medical reason not to. He’s been lucky enough to get a first dose of the vaccine. But it’s not just about him. It’s about protecting staff and other students.

And so will the absolute vast majority. If a small handful don't, never mind.

Why won’t you consent to your kids being tested??

@Notabove25 never mind? I’m immunosuppressed and could be bloody ill if I catch COVID.
Some kids will have legitimate reasons for not being able to wear a mask or test. But the vast majority shouldn’t be selfish and should just get on with it.

I expected that since the government have made such a song and dance about testing (and teachers have spent hundreds of hours organising this) that it would be deemed important enough to control the spread

I posted this because I don't think it's well known - almost everyone I've spoken to has thought their kids would be sent home if they refused to wear a mask/take the test

All of dh's kids are desperate to get back too

Yes. This isn't new. Same as before.

At what point did you think medical tests of any kind are compulsory?

You absolutely cannot force someone to have medical tests.

Much like how patients in the NHS can also refuse to do covid tests before coming for elective surgery etc. Nothing happens!! Oh the outrage...

Good job there's no adults in schools then

If those adults are vulnerable they will have been vaccinated.

[quote Wolfiefan]@Notabove25 never mind? I’m immunosuppressed and could be bloody ill if I catch COVID.
Some kids will have legitimate reasons for not being able to wear a mask or test. But the vast majority shouldn’t be selfish and should just get on with it.[/quote]
My point was the risk is vastly reduced for everyone if the majority test, which they will. Where are these schools where huge numbers are refusing? I work in a PRU and the children are being incredibly compliant. If ours can do it, I really can't see it being a big issue elsewhere.

@Barrantsvidal I agree with you

@AmyC40

My Dd is at college and gets there by train. We want her to have the lateral flow tests but the first 3 have to be done in college...she then needs to have a parent / friend on hand to bring her home if any of them prove positive as she quite rightly can't use public transport. I don't drive, friends are working and parents self-isolating so she has no option to return without doing them.

I've been helping with lateral flow testing in school today. Your college may be following a different system but with ours, the pupils leave site after doing the test.

We wait 30 minutes, record the results and the pupils receive an email at some point thereafter with the results. I'm sure some pupils get the train home and may not receive the results until they get home in any case. In case that's helpful.

Actually my post is only relevant to our pre testing, not when the pupils return for lesson. Apologies.

@GintyMcGinty

Good job there's no adults in schools then

If those adults are vulnerable they will have been vaccinated.

Not necessarily. Lots of people in the vulnerable category have not yet been vaccinated.

At least at the moment they're not proposing to use tests instead of isolation for close contacts like in January......