Testing is a farce

[Iamaweirdone]

My school age DD went for a coronavirus test on Sunday as she was full of cold and coughing. I’m pretty sure that she has just a cold but I got her tested as it’s the right thing to do. Still no test results and no chance of chasing the results until Friday (if they’re not back by then).
I’ve had yesterday and today off work unpaid and could well be having the next week or two off.
I cannot afford to do this again. If my child coughs again I’d seriously think twice about getting her tested and just keep her off school and go to work. I can’t be the only one in this situation.
I stuck to lockdown, shopped once a week, didn’t see anyone outside of my household etc. And now I feel as though I’m left with no choice but to break the rules as I can’t afford to follow them. It is so frustrating. I have no annual leave to take and my workplace do not pay sick pay.

DS2 is off with a cough and cold. He gets the same dry, barking cough every winter, yet school won't let him in. I couldn't order a test online because they can't confirm his identity! Finally got one over the phone after being told I should go to the walk through clinic 2 towns away. (Non driver).

Can you get ssp? I don't work so luckily not an issue here.

It is shite
We had to wait 17 days for a result at the end of June
Then it took us 5 days to get a test at the beginning of September, meaning a whole week off work and school
Now ds is off self isolating for 2 weeks due to a case in his bubble.
I have overheard parents on school run saying they can't get a test, so they've sent their kids in with symptoms.
Getting this system working was the main thing that had to happen before opening up after lockdown, and it was absolutely fucked up.

I didn’t have any trouble getting a test though I had to travel to the nearest big town - not an issue. I can get SSP but that doesn’t cover my wages. I’m just so pissed off with it. I can’t do this all over winter because I can’t afford it.
The school didn’t seem that interested and they’ve not asked for proof of testing or the result (if and when it appears).

Sadly schools aren't allowed to ask for proof, and if it seem that they aren't bothered it is probably because of the amount of kickback they have had from a few select parents. The situation is absolutely ridiculous though; there is no need for it to take so long at all.

They should be allowed to ask for proof. I wouldn’t mind providing it (and assumed I’d have to).
They’ve had months to sort out this testing procedure and there is no reason why it shouldn’t be up and running properly. I’m so bloody cross about it all.

DC2 had a test today and the school has requested a screenshot of the result...