Private school lateral flow tests

[lunapeace]

So private schools will be obtaining the free lateral flow tests provided by the government. Bearing in mind everything else is paid for in private schools including exam entries, parents know this when they sign up, why are they receiving free tests? In fact, why aren't pupils tested properly once a week (as happens in many workplaces) and funded by the parents? Could someone answer this. I work in a state school and already we are hearing of a shortage of tests for all staff, it just makes me angry that the big independent up the road has all the resources but aren't dipping into their pockets. Bearing in mind they claimed furlough for most support staff (fees were only reduced a fraction) and are no doubt in a better off position than they were.

I really disagree with this. So private school kids shouldn't use the NHS ?? It's a public health issue.

Op, parents who pay private school fees are also paying their share of taxes to fund and access the NHS as well as state education. The same taxes as everyone else. Why should they be denied NHS treatment?

Is this a new ruling, are the tests now being provided by the gov?

My DDs private school said when they were due back after Christmas that they were having to fund tests themselves??

As I understand it, the tests were always going to be provided free of charge. The additional costs of running testing facilities are not funded for independents.

I think I'm right in saying that , as well as free tests, state schools are also given a sum of money to set up their testing programmes (create and equip a testing area, staff it etc) whereas private schools are just given the free tests and have to fund the setting up of the testing programme themselves.

(cross posted with MasterGland who I see has said they same)

I have 2 DC at private school, DH has been unemployed for over a year and we're only just managing to continue scraping the fees together. There are many, many, other parents in a similar situation.

I wouldn't pay for private LFT's, we don't have the spare cash. My DC would still go to school, potentially spreading the virus round not only the whole school, but then on to the local community. Is that what you want OP?

Just to say that for independent schools they were never originally going to be funded by the government.

Back in January, all secondary independent schools had to pay for their own, which they did and these are the tests they will use next week.

I still can’t find anywhere that specifically says that these will be refunded by the government or that they won’t have to pay for new ones.

Am assuming that because parents can order their own LFTs going forward, this is probably what the OP means.
My DH who works in an independent secondary schools says as far as he is aware, independent schools have already paid for their own tests.

If the OP has a link for this I would be grateful. The current guidance for Monday just says independent schools follow the same procedures for state schools.

From the link below:

They will arrive care of Royal Mail and schools are asked to ensure someone is available to take delivery. Independent schools will receive test kits and PPE but current policy excludes independent schools from claiming financial support for workforce and related costs.

www.isc.co.uk/sector-info/school-re-opening/

Well I’m quite happy to pay for my DC’s lateral flow tests. However, I would like a refund of the tax I have paid to fund your child’s education. How does that suit you OP?

I work in an independent school and can confirm we have not had to pay got the lateral flow tests - now or in January. Some schools may have invested in their own testing resources but that is entirely separate.

Independent schools who chose to test last term (predominantly boarding schools) did pay for their testing.

This term the government is requiring all schools to do LFTs and those rules, as for all others about covid, apply to all schools so all schools get the feee tests.

What a bizarre op.

I don't get this jab at private schools. You do realise that if the children in private schools were in the government schools there would be even less money to go around? And being in a private school doesn't mean you are not allowed to be part of community health intiatives for goodness sake!

Thank you so much for clarifying everyone-really appreciate it. Could never understand why they were not entitled to funding from the government.

For crying out loud is there no end to the petty things that people ar bitching and moaning about in this pandemic.

Exactly as the pp said. Because businesses that choose to pay for tests for their staff do so of their own free will.

All schools have been told to do this by the government because covid is a public health issue and pupils from private schools will also be using public transport along with teachers from state school, state school children, nurses and every other person who goes anywhere by bus or train. So it’s in everyone’s interest.

In the same way, private schools have had to shut as well as state schools (& parents have still needed to pay fees) because covid is a public health issue.

I worry if you’re a teacher if you can’t understand this OP.

Another vote for it being a health, not education, issue. Everyone is entitled to free healthcare, which is unrelated to state v private education. It's more of a valid point were it private hospitals getting free covid tests.

I'm going in to help with our school's testing tomorrow as it's a huge job testing pupils. I can also safely say private schools aren't awash with spare funds at the moment and I suspect testing uptake would be lower if schools charged parents.

What a ludicrous, small minded opinion OP. Should all the builders and plumbers out working pay for there's because they're not on benefits?

Do you teach economics or politics in the Soviet Union op?
Otherwise it's incredibly concerning that a teacher lacks basic reasoning skills or the ability to think logically.

I disagree with this as stated by other above. In fact, private education should be tax-deductible in order to take the strain off the state sector.

What a ridiculous thread.
The gov want all kids tested, adults are getting free tests too.

How about as someone who pays for private education, I stop paying any taxes whatsoever and stop funding your children? No?

Thought not.

Give me strength.

LFTs aren't some kind of optional extra 'treat' for schools- they've been deemed necessary for the good of the whole population, because they might help reduce outbreaks of Covid that would inevitably spread beyond a school whether it's state or private.

OP, your view is short sighted at best.

My dd's came today, she's back on sunday.
friend just walked into test centre and they gave her a box didn't check id or anything. She's in posh part of Cheshire.
Doesn't make any difference but if anyone in that are worth a try.

@confuseddotcom090

How about as someone who pays for private education, I stop paying any taxes whatsoever and stop funding your children? No?

Thought not.



Yes, state school peasants: BEHOLD and worship @confuseddotcom090 for paying for all the pauper children 🙄

I honestly despair, and can't even be bothered to argue. I say that as someone privately educated whose kids will be too.

What a ridiculous thread.

Should private school children also be made to pay for opticians/ prescriptions/ dentists?