Coronavirus Testing
You will have heard that testing for those without coronavirus symptoms is beginning to be rolled out across the country using the new, quicker Covid-19 tests known as ‘lateral flow devices’. The RNN Group will be offering this test from Monday 18th January 2021.
In addition, to other protective measures we are taking, testing will allow us to take further measures to help reduce the spread in College settings through asymptomatic transmission. The RNN Group strongly encourages those working or studying on one of the College campuses to be tested.
We would like to stress that taking a test is not mandatory to attend College for either work or study.
PRIOR TO TESTING
All staff and students who wish to have a lateral flow test within College need to complete two documents prior to booking a test.
These are:
1. A completed NHS Login profile. Registration with the NHS Test and Trace system is preferred and will also allow for efficient results reporting, registration is simple and can be accessed at https://test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/register-kit/register-rapid-test. You will then use your registration whenever attending for a test at RNN Group premises. Please note – you do NOT need a barcode to register on the NHS Login site – continue to register yourself and complete the NHS Login section.
2. A completed Consent form. We will not be performing tests where individuals have not consented, the RNN Group consent form can be completed online and once satisfactory checks have been completed, a test can be taken.
THE TEST CENTRES
Our Covid-19 testing centres are located at all our main College campuses, please see local signage and notifications for access arrangements.
You will find the testing centres as follows:
• Dearne Valley College – In the Refectory
• North Notts College – In the Bistro
• Rotherham College – In the Eastwood Building Refectory
We’re offering free tests for staff and students using lateral flow testing kits, which provide results within 24 hours. Anyone attending for a test must bring their smartphone or alternative device with them so that the testing process can be followed.
It is important, however, that you continue to follow government guidance to minimise the risk of transmission wherever you may be.
You will receive your test result by text or email. You should expect to receive your results within 24 hours.
Your personal data will be collected and processed for the purpose of booking a test at our Covid-19 Testing Centre. You can read our Covid-19 Data Privacy Notice should you have any concerns.
Those taking the test will be supervised by trained staff and volunteers. The lateral flow device tests are quick and easy to undertake, using a swab of the nose and throat. Results (which take around half an hour from testing) will be shared with NHS Test and Trace and the individual participant.
WHEN ARE THE CENTRES OPEN?
At present we will be offering the following days for testing on each campus:
• North Notts College – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
• Rotherham College – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (am only)
• Dearne Valley College – Monday, Thursday (pm only) and Friday
WHO IS THE TEST CENTRE FOR?
Our Covid-19 testing centres are available on a voluntary basis to all RNN Group staff and students who are NOT displaying Covid-19 symptoms. The testing is only intended for timetabled students and staff that are scheduled to be on a RNN Group College campus.
This testing programme, at RNN Group, is for people with no symptoms. If anyone develops symptoms at any time (such as a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste) they must immediately self-isolate, and book a test by calling 119 or visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
HOW TO BOOK, CANCEL OR RE-SCHEDUE YOUR TEST
Simply call the RNN Group Covid-19 testing centre bookings number on 01709 722722. You will be asked for your name and date of birth. Additional testing advice and guidance will be provided by staff at the time of booking.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU RECEIVE A POSITIVE TEST RESULT?
We will inform the test subject of a positive test result. Where participants are under 16, parents or legal guardians will also be informed. The test subject will also receive a text or email notification of a positive or negative result from the online NHS system. Tests are free of charge and further details can be found on the NHS Test and Trace web site.
If an individual tests positive on a lateral flow device test, they will be informed immediately by the RNN Group and will need to take a further ‘PCR test’ to confirm the result. This test should be conducted on the same day or as soon as possible afterwards. The Group will be able to provide these PCR test kits to perform at home.
During this time, while waiting for the PCR result (via text/email), the individual will need to self-isolate.
If the PCR test returns a positive result they will have to continue to self-isolate and follow the guidance from NHS Test and Trace.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU RECEIVE A NEGATIVE TEST RESULT?
While a small number of participants may need to repeat the test if the first test is invalid or void for some reason, participants who test negative will be able to stay on College premises and resume their activities as normal. Participants will be informed of negative test results via text/email. Where participants are under 16, parents or legal guardians will also be informed.
Further information for SEND staff and students
We understand that the self-swabbing part of the test may cause significant concerns for those with SEND and their families. Some of these concerns may be alleviated by discussing them with HR or your tutor and agreeing relevant strategies to help reduce anxiety and putting place reasonable adjustments (if the individual has a disability). Parents and carers may want to look at Mass Testing Guidance for Specialist Settings for further information.