Schools and testing

[Blue One]

Does anyone know what the implications if a parent refuses to give permission for their child to be Covid tested in English schools? I looked on Google, but can't really see anything specific, and wanted to see if anyone from the wonderful world of Pistonheads forums may know.

For background, with Covid cases dropping, I have real concerns about the psychological and physical aspects on having my young son tested three times a week with the lateral flow test, and the relative need to introduce it at this time.

So if we refused to allow him to be tested, what happens, does the school just shrug and move on, or does this get scarily escalated?

Any informed insights would be appreciated

[spookly]

From what I've seen in the press, The Times IIRC, it will be entirely optional as will masks.
The piece I read made clear that the government would not allow schools to send children home and prevent them getting an education if they refused masks or testing.

[Blue One]

Do you have a link by any chance? Thx

[21TonyK]

"Testing is voluntary and your child will not be tested unless they (if they are aged over 18) or you (or another parent or carer) have given informed consent. We strongly encourage you and your child to take part, to help us break chains of transmission and manage the virus. Your child will not be stopped from returning to school or college if you or they choose not to be tested, and will return to face-to-face education in line with their school or college’s arrangements. Anyone with symptoms, whether they are involved in this programme or not, should book a free NHS test and follow government self-isolation guidance until the results of their test are known."

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-pa...

[Blue One]

21TonyK said:

"Testing is voluntary and your child will not be tested unless they (if they are aged over 18) or you (or another parent or carer) have given informed consent. We strongly encourage you and your child to take part, to help us break chains of transmission and manage the virus. Your child will not be stopped from returning to school or college if you or they choose not to be tested, and will return to face-to-face education in line with their school or college’s arrangements. Anyone with symptoms, whether they are involved in this programme or not, should book a free NHS test and follow government self-isolation guidance until the results of their test are known."

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-pa...

Thanks - this is really helpful

[mcflurry]

Blue One said:

Does anyone know what the implications if a parent refuses to give permission for their child to be Covid tested in English schools?
For background, with Covid cases dropping, I have real concerns about the psychological and physical aspects on having my young son tested three times a week with the lateral flow test, and the relative need to introduce it at this time.

Playing Devils advocate, as I don't have any skin in the game either way, but if your son had the lurgy, wouldn't you want to know?

[Carrot]

Blue One said:

Does anyone know what the implications if a parent refuses to give permission for their child to be Covid tested in English schools? I looked on Google, but can't really see anything specific, and wanted to see if anyone from the wonderful world of Pistonheads forums may know.

For background, with Covid cases dropping, I have real concerns about the psychological and physical aspects on having my young son tested three times a week with the lateral flow test, and the relative need to introduce it at this time.

So if we refused to allow him to be tested, what happens, does the school just shrug and move on, or does this get scarily escalated?

Any informed insights would be appreciated

I just want to personally thank you for being another voice standing up to say no to this ridiculous and monstrous imposition from our Government.

The more that do so, the quicker this ends.

[BUG4LIFE]

mcflurry said:

Blue One said:

Does anyone know what the implications if a parent refuses to give permission for their child to be Covid tested in English schools?
For background, with Covid cases dropping, I have real concerns about the psychological and physical aspects on having my young son tested three times a week with the lateral flow test, and the relative need to introduce it at this time.

Playing Devils advocate, as I don't have any skin in the game either way, but if your son had the lurgy, wouldn't you want to know?

Which is likely to do him more damage, Covid or, like the OP says, the psychological and physical aspects of loads of testing?

[boyse7en]

BUG4LIFE said:

mcflurry said:

Blue One said:

Does anyone know what the implications if a parent refuses to give permission for their child to be Covid tested in English schools?
For background, with Covid cases dropping, I have real concerns about the psychological and physical aspects on having my young son tested three times a week with the lateral flow test, and the relative need to introduce it at this time.

Playing Devils advocate, as I don't have any skin in the game either way, but if your son had the lurgy, wouldn't you want to know?

Which is likely to do him more damage, Covid or, like the OP says, the psychological and physical aspects of loads of testing?

What are the psychological and physical aspects of having a couple of tests done? My two kids have to go in twice each next week for the tests, doesn't seem massively onerous.

[Tankrizzo]

If you are genuinely doing it for the right reasons, crack on.

[surveyor]

My daughters school have demanded that she be presented for testing at a certain time next friday. Fine apart from I'm away all week, and Friday is the one day where my wife is office based.

Apparently if we email the heads assistant they will decide if this is a genuine excuse...

While I accept this is not easy for them to manage, they really do not help themselves with the language they use.

[Jasandjules]

surveyor said:

My daughters school have demanded that she be presented for testing at a certain time next friday. Fine apart from I'm away all week, and Friday is the one day where my wife is office based.

Tell them to FRO and provide you the law they say requires it.

[Carrot]

Jasandjules said:

Tell them to FRO and provide you the law they say requires it.

This

[surveyor]

A firm email telling them that Friday is not an option, and the wife can drop off and pick up on Thursday.

Have pointed out that they may not consider it a genuine problem, but it is to us so that is that. I may have also confirm that the tone of the letter has upset me, and that parents have daytime commitments too... grr.

[21TonyK]

Looks like testing is going even wider than they announced yesterday...

"All households with children of school aged to get rapid COVID-19 tests per person per week"

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/all-households-...

[surveyor]

21TonyK said:

Looks like testing is going even wider than they announced yesterday...

"All households with children of school aged to get rapid COVID-19 tests per person per week"

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/all-households-...

Can't wait to see what our daughters school comes up with as a result! No doubt something completely impractical for anyone who is not at their beck and call 5 days a week.

[Biggus thingus]

We've had the email and letter about wanting to test

Our response will be a polite FRO

The lateral flow test or what ever it is they plan on using are at best only 50% accurate

If daughter shows symptoms we'll keep her off, if not, go to school

[survivalist]

surveyor said:

21TonyK said:

Looks like testing is going even wider than they announced yesterday...

"All households with children of school aged to get rapid COVID-19 tests per person per week"

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/all-households-...

Can't wait to see what our daughters school comes up with as a result! No doubt something completely impractical for anyone who is not at their beck and call 5 days a week.

Are these the lateral flow test ones? Or just a normal test returned via the post?

Either way, I recon there will be a lot of pets getting swabbed

[Jasandjules]

survivalist said:

Are these the lateral flow test ones? Or just a normal test returned via the post?

Either way, I recon there will be a lot of pets getting swabbed

Why would anyone capitulate? Tell them to FRO.

[survivalist]

Jasandjules said:

survivalist said:

Are these the lateral flow test ones? Or just a normal test returned via the post?

Either way, I recon there will be a lot of pets getting swabbed

Why would anyone capitulate? Tell them to FRO.

My kids are in nursery & primary schools, so no testing request as I understand it.

I’d completely agree with regards to the FRO sentiment, but many will be swayed by peer pressure and hysteria on the class/parent Facebook groups.