Here you will find information about how LifeBridge ASEND is responding to COVID-19.
Mass Testing Information for Parents/Carers and Learners
With colleges now reopening as part of the Government's roadmap for easing Coronavirus restrictions, testing of further education age learners was confirmed as an essential part of the plan for the safe reopening of colleges. All learners will be given a lateral self-test kit to take home and we strongly encourage you to support your son/daughter in performing the lateral flow test twice a week at home and report the results via the following link:
With colleges now reopening as part of the Government's roadmap for easing Coronavirus restrictions, testing of further education age learners was confirmed as an essential part of the plan for the safe reopening of colleges. All learners will be given a lateral self-test kit to take home and we strongly encourage you to support your son/daughter in performing the lateral flow test twice a week at home and report the results via the following link:
We will not be testing learners in college.
What is the plan for the rapid flow tests for college learners?
All learners in college are being asked to have two rapid lateral flow tests a week. This is to assist with spotting and eliminating asymptomatic cases from colleges to reduce the spread of Coronavirus at college and within the wider community.
Does my son/daughter have to take the test?
Whilst we cannot force anyone to be tested, in order to reduce the potential for spreading of the virus, the Government have said that "Testing is voluntary but strongly encouraged”.
Why are they asking families to test learners when they may not be displaying symptoms or may not become ill if they have Covid-19?
The aim of rapid lateral flow testing is to test people who do not have symptoms to find those who are positive so they can self-isolate. This will stop them from passing on the Covid-19 virus. As many as 1 in 3 people who have Coronavirus have no symptoms (also known as asymptomatic) and they may be spreading it without realising.
Lateral Flow Tests or rapid tests follow these steps (see graphic, below):
1. Swab taken from the nose or throat
2. Specimen added to the extraction test tube
3. Drops of extraction solution are added to the test cartridge
4. Wait 20-30 minutes and read results.
What is the plan for the rapid flow tests for college learners?
All learners in college are being asked to have two rapid lateral flow tests a week. This is to assist with spotting and eliminating asymptomatic cases from colleges to reduce the spread of Coronavirus at college and within the wider community.
Does my son/daughter have to take the test?
Whilst we cannot force anyone to be tested, in order to reduce the potential for spreading of the virus, the Government have said that "Testing is voluntary but strongly encouraged”.
Why are they asking families to test learners when they may not be displaying symptoms or may not become ill if they have Covid-19?
The aim of rapid lateral flow testing is to test people who do not have symptoms to find those who are positive so they can self-isolate. This will stop them from passing on the Covid-19 virus. As many as 1 in 3 people who have Coronavirus have no symptoms (also known as asymptomatic) and they may be spreading it without realising.
Lateral Flow Tests or rapid tests follow these steps (see graphic, below):
1. Swab taken from the nose or throat
2. Specimen added to the extraction test tube
3. Drops of extraction solution are added to the test cartridge
4. Wait 20-30 minutes and read results.
So it's nose OR throat and not nose AND throat, correct?
Yes, a swab is only required from one area.
What happens if a lateral flow test result is positive?
With a positive test, learners will need to self-isolate for the next 10 days and will learn remotely until they can return to college, unless of course they become too unwell to work. We are legally obliged to provide remote learning to any learners who are self-isolating. If a learner tests positive, other members of their household will need to isolate too.
It has been said the accuracy of the test is increased if learners do not eat or drink for 30 minutes before the test. Is this true?
Government guidelines advise to not eat or drink for 30 minutes before a test. Also, you cannot take the lateral flow test if you have had a nosebleed in the past 24 hours.
Can a parent also use a home testing kit that has been sent from school?
No, parents should not use the home testing kit that college has allocated to their son/daughter. From the 1st of March, the Government will offer free rapid testing for learners' families in England. You can either take a rapid lateral flow test at a local site or request a testing kit online (details are lower down for the home ordering service). Testing at the local sites is assisted, which means you will swab yourself under the supervision of a trained operator.
Yes, a swab is only required from one area.
What happens if a lateral flow test result is positive?
With a positive test, learners will need to self-isolate for the next 10 days and will learn remotely until they can return to college, unless of course they become too unwell to work. We are legally obliged to provide remote learning to any learners who are self-isolating. If a learner tests positive, other members of their household will need to isolate too.
It has been said the accuracy of the test is increased if learners do not eat or drink for 30 minutes before the test. Is this true?
Government guidelines advise to not eat or drink for 30 minutes before a test. Also, you cannot take the lateral flow test if you have had a nosebleed in the past 24 hours.
Can a parent also use a home testing kit that has been sent from school?
No, parents should not use the home testing kit that college has allocated to their son/daughter. From the 1st of March, the Government will offer free rapid testing for learners' families in England. You can either take a rapid lateral flow test at a local site or request a testing kit online (details are lower down for the home ordering service). Testing at the local sites is assisted, which means you will swab yourself under the supervision of a trained operator.
How can families get hold of a home testing kit?
The ‘click and collect’ scheme offers two rapid Covid-19 tests per person to households, and to childcare and support bubbles of primary, secondary and college-age children, as well as to school bus drivers and after-school club leaders. You can collect two packs of home test kits at a local collection point. Each pack contains seven tests and anyone over 18 can collect home test kits. Most collection points are open from 1.30pm to 7pm. You can check online if the location is open or busy before you go and you do not need to make an appointment.
The ‘click and collect’ scheme offers two rapid Covid-19 tests per person to households, and to childcare and support bubbles of primary, secondary and college-age children, as well as to school bus drivers and after-school club leaders. You can collect two packs of home test kits at a local collection point. Each pack contains seven tests and anyone over 18 can collect home test kits. Most collection points are open from 1.30pm to 7pm. You can check online if the location is open or busy before you go and you do not need to make an appointment.
Can I order a test kit online?
Yes, the home ordering service, which launched on the 1st of March, will allow people to order lateral flow tests online to be delivered to their home. However, it is advised that you do not order online if you can get a test through other methods. This frees up home delivery for those who need it most.
Yes, the home ordering service, which launched on the 1st of March, will allow people to order lateral flow tests online to be delivered to their home. However, it is advised that you do not order online if you can get a test through other methods. This frees up home delivery for those who need it most.
The following YouTube videos would be good to be included as well:
and their video demonstration.