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Guidance for families during COVID-19 outbreak

Last updated: 19 January 2022

Pupils have been able to attend school since 8 March. Attendance is mandatory unless your child is self-isolating through receiving a positive test result or they are clinically extremely vulnerable.

All staff working in schools, nurseries and colleges and secondary school and college students should take twice-weekly rapid lateral flow tests.

Taking a test to check if you have COVID-19

Everyone without symptoms should get tested twice per week. Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms, so get tested regularly to make sure you are not unknowingly spreading the virus.

Find out more about how to take a test.

Easy read versions on how to complete home lateral flow and PCR COVID-19 tests are on the government website:

You can also watch our British Sign Language video explaining how to take symptom free tests.

Booster vaccines

With the arrival of the Omicron variant, it is more important than ever that everyone takes up the opportunity of a vaccination. If your child or young person has not been vaccinated please book now.

Find out about vaccinations for 12 to 17-year-olds on the Kent and Medway CCG website.

Or read one of the following family guides for booster vaccines:

Help from education settings

If you have any concerns about your child or young person attending their education setting, you should speak with them directly. They will be able to inform you of the precautions they are taking and can help you with any arrangements for home education.

If they have a social worker, your education setting will contact your social worker directly to put support in place to check on your child or teenager's wellbeing.

For additional information:

You can also keep up to date with the latest updates and subscribe to our SEND newsletter.

Clinically extremely vulnerable children

Last updated: 3 November 2021

Shielding for clinically extremely vulnerable children has now ended.

This means that people who were previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable ( CEV ) will not be advised to shield in the future or follow specific national guidance.

If this applies to you, you will receive a letter informing you of these changes in more detail and providing further information on available support.

For more information visit the government website (including easy read, BSL and large print).

Resources with support information for parents and carers