Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Pupils’ Return to Schools: Lateral Flow Testing

Monday 1 March 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Mary Glindon inquired about the assessment of parents' capacity to conduct lateral flow COVID-19 tests on their children as schools reopen.
  • The Minister noted that rapid testing supports identifying asymptomatic cases to return to face-to-face education.
  • Schools are transitioning to a home-testing model for secondary pupils after initial on-site tests.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
NHS Education
Context

Parentkind charity raised concerns about the effectiveness of lateral flow tests for schoolchildren. The question arises due to doubts over parents' ability to administer these tests accurately.

Question

What assessment has been made regarding parents' capacity to conduct lateral flow COVID-19 testing on their children as schools reopen under easing lockdown restrictions? Charity Parentkind noted issues with missed or improper tests and the limited effectiveness of such tests, even when used correctly. The questioner seeks clarity on what happens if pupils refuse to take the test.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

Rapid testing using lateral flow devices supports returning to face-to-face education by identifying asymptomatic cases. Schools are transitioning to a home-testing model for secondary pupils after three on-site tests. Guidance on administering these tests has been provided to schools for some time, and they are asked to maintain onsite testing stations to support those unable to test at home.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific guidance on how to administer the tests was not detailed beyond stating it had already been provided to schools. No mention of consequences for refusing tests or further details on reporting results.

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Q2 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
NHS Education
Context

Parentkind charity raised concerns about the effectiveness of lateral flow tests for schoolchildren. The question arises due to doubts over parents' ability to administer these tests accurately.

Question

What assessment has been made regarding parents' capacity to conduct lateral flow COVID-19 testing on their children as schools reopen under easing lockdown restrictions? Charity Parentkind noted issues with missed or improper tests and the limited effectiveness of such tests, even when used correctly. The questioner seeks clarity on what happens if pupils refuse to take the test.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

I appreciate the hon. Lady's highlighting this issue, which is an area of concern for us all. That is why there is a process of three asymptomatic tests that are to be rolled out at the start of the term. The guidance on how to do it has already been with schools for quite a considerable period. We are also asking all schools to maintain an asymptomatic testing station onsite, so that if a child has, for some reason, not been able to take a test at home, they can get a test under supervision at school, to make sure that we capture and support all children.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While addressing concerns about missed tests by providing onsite stations, no clear guidance on how to administer the tests was detailed beyond stating it had already been provided to schools. No mention of consequences for refusing tests or further details on reporting results.

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