Inside the testing centre built by staff at Nether Stowe School

The headteacher of a Lichfield school says he is ‘full of confidence’ in the ability of his team to carry out COVID tests on students and staff from this week – after they constructed a testing centre on site.

When students return to Nether Stowe School this week a multi-bay testing centre will be waiting for them in the dance studio, following weeks of preparation work by staff.

And the team at the school in St Chad’s Road, which is part of he respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), have also created videos explaining how the Lateral Flow testing process will work.

Headteacher Glyn Langston-Jones said: “I am full of confidence as we face the challenges ahead, thanks to weeks of hard work and preparation by the team at Nether Stowe.

“We knew that providing testing for students would be a significant challenge but we were also determined that it should not be something that unnecessarily disrupts their return to education.

“So, we set about creating the testing facility in our dance studio, which will have capacity to test around 60 students every hour, with all the necessary social distancing.

“The construction of the testing area was the result of amazing work by the site team here at Nether Stowe, with great support from ATLP. It was a huge team effort to get it ready for this week.”

And students will also be guided through the tests by familiar faces when they return.

Mr Langston-Jones added: “Our staff have been trained in the testing roles as well, as we felt it was really important for pupils to see a familiar face in an unfamiliar process.”

Two videos have been created, which the school is sharing on its social media platforms to help pupils, parents and staff understand how the process will work, and what each test entails.

“The videos are there so students will know what to expect, and so they can see that the tests are very simple to carry out.

“One video literally walks you through the testing area, while the other one shows you what you do to test yourself – such as registering your details, sanitising your hands, and then actually doing the test itself. I’d recommend all students, staff and parents watch the videos, as they can help answer any questions you may have.”

The videos are also available on YouTube, by searching for Nether Stowe School.