Since 1 April 2022, routine testing has no longer been expected in education and children’s social care settings. This is part of the government’s plan to remove remaining restrictions on society while protecting the most vulnerable from COVID-19.

Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said:   

As we learn to live with Covid, we are focusing our testing provision on those at higher risk of serious outcomes from the virus, while encouraging people to keep following simple steps to help keep themselves and others safe.

Regular asymptomatic testing in mainstream settings hasn’t been recommended since February 2022. 

Why do you no longer recommend Covid testing in schools, colleges or other education settings?

Following expert advice, we now know that Covid presents a low risk of serious illness to most children and young people, and most of those who are fully vaccinated. Due to high immunity in society, a greater understanding of the virus and improved access to treatments, we can now focus on how we live with COVID-19. That means we don’t expect pupils or staff in education settings to routinely test themselves for COVID-19.

Should my child still come to school if they test positive for Covid?

No. Anyone with a positive COVID-19 test result is advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days, which is when they are most infectious. For children and young people aged 18 and under, the advice is three days. If your child is isolating for 3 days and they are well enough to complete remote learning, details can be found on Google Classroom or via communication with the office.

Please see the link to the school's Remote Learning guidance and policy: https://www.tylersgreenmiddle.bucks.sch.uk/remote-education/ 

Will TGMS still be taking measures to prevent Covid?

We ensure the following control measures to help to manage the spread of infection:

• Ensuring all eligible groups are enabled and supported to take up the offer of national vaccination programmes including COVID-19 and flu.
• Ensuring occupied spaces are well-ventilated and let fresh air in.
• Reinforcing good hygiene practices such as hand washing and cleaning.

Can my child still get a Covid-19 vaccine?

Healthy 5- to 11-year-olds have been offered the COVID-19 vaccine since the beginning of April 2022.

Vaccinations are taking place outside of school, in vaccination centres, pharmacies, GP surgeries and walk-in centres. Parents of 5- to 11-year-olds will receive a letter from the NHS with further information on the vaccine.

For 5- to 11-year-old vaccinations, parents can book COVID-19 vaccination appointments online, at a vaccination centre or pharmacy, or find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site without needing an appointment.