Schools across the Harrogate district are preparing to begin a major covid testing programme as they plan to reopen their doors to all pupils next week.
At Ripon Grammar School, testing begins next Monday, with small groups of students brought in to carry out their tests before going home again.
They will continue with home learning for the first two days until everyone has had one test, before returning to classrooms on Wednesday.
Each pupil will receive a second test in school that week, followed by a third the following week. They will then carry out their own tests at home twice a week.
Deputy headteacher Helen Keelan-Edwards said:
“The staff tests will be delivered before they come back and they’ll be able to do those at home. Students are doing them in school to begin with so they know how to do it properly at home.”
In-school testing has been recommended by the government for all secondary age pupils, followed by home testing. It has also advised students and staff to wear masks in all areas of buildings where social distancing is not possible.
Primary school pupils will not be tested routinely, but staff will be given two tests to take at home each week. Routine testing is being introduced after significant outbreaks of coronavirus in schools when they were open before Christmas.
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To get through enough tests to enable students to return, Ripon Grammar School will have 30 volunteers on site each day to help deliver the programme. While they do not have to be medically trained, they will work throughout the school day and are asked to commit to as many days as possible.
Mrs Keelan-Edwards said the number of volunteers had been higher than expected, adding:
“We have been overwhelmed by parental support. It has been absolutely amazing. – we can’t believe it.
“We’re really lucky with the parents we have and the support they give the school.”
Other secondary schools in the Harrogate district told the Stray Ferret they are still preparing the final details of their testing programmes, which will be announced this week.
