Does this need to be reported?

[Icepops]

Worried that they are not following the guidelines at our primary school.

If a child presents with symptoms, the school are happy to let the child come back as long as they have a 30 minute LFT and it’s negative. (Children from nursery age up to year 6). All the guidance I have read indicates they are for over 11s and only when no symptoms are present.

I don’t feel the school are safeguarding our children by allowing children to do this and return without a proper PCR test.

Would an LFT still show as positive if used on someone with symptoms?

If the school are not following guidance properly, who do I report it to? I have already spoken to the head who said LFT are fine!!

Can I report to the Local authority even if it’s not a local authority run school?

This is not in loine wth guidance, LFTs should not be used on those with symptoms.

You could report to the local authority public health team and perhaps the HSE? It might be worth raising with your MP if they are not a covid-denying Tory.

They are absolutely not following the guidelines (I work in a secondary school). students with symptoms must get a PCR test NOT a lateral flow. Report it to the local authority even though they are not a LA school they will still have ties. You could report to governors too.

I’d definitely report to the local authority as they will have links to the public health team, who will want to make sure the school is following the proper rules. Which it sounds like this school definitely isn’t.

Yes it does. You’re absolutely right. Anyone with symptoms must isolate along with their whole household until they have a negative PCR test. LFT are only for people without symptoms. Given the potential for spread as a result of this incorrect advice I’d raise it urgently with the schools department of your local council and ask that immediate action is taken to ensure that school are following the correct advice to safeguard everyone in the school community. It’s no wonder it’s spreading. I’ve also seen a number of posts today about schools telling people that children can go in while another family member is waiting for a test result.

Yes, it needs reporting. Not sure to who tho.

I did lateral flow testing for my school. I had a big argument with various people last week, as I refused to do a flow test on a symptomatic child. It took most of the day, but they have changed the policy now.

Lateral flow tests are not to be used on people with symptoms.

Yes, it's incorrect...need a pcr test

Definitely your local public health office. Ofsted might also be interested as they are not following the DfE guidance.