As many parents know, our school is taking part in the COVID-19 Schools Infection Survey 2 (SIS2). This is a national study that aims to help government experts better understand how many school age pupils have developed antibodies against coronavirus. Results are shared with parents, so they will know whether their child has antibodies against the virus.

 

The next round of SIS testing at Fielding starts on 19 & 20 January. This involves a simple, saliva swab test. To sign up, follow this link and enter this number 101897.

• SIS Sign Up Form

 

FAQs from the government's Office of National Statistics are below.

 

Why are we doing this study?

We want to find out how many school pupils have developed antibodies against the virus and how this may change over the course of the year. The information we collect will help inform policies to protect school pupils and staff. The study is being conducted by the Office for National Statistics, in partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, working with the Department for Education and is funded by the UK Health Security Agency.

 

What does the study involve?

The study involves antibody testing and completing a questionnaire alongside testing. If you would like your child to take part, we would like you to complete a consent form and a short questionnaire about each of your children that you enrol. Once this is completed, your child will be a participant of the study. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer testing to children in pre-school/nursery years, so if you have multiple children in a school, please only register those who are in Reception or above.

 

Will you tell me my child’s results?

Yes, everyone will receive their results. The oral fluid (saliva) sample will be tested for antibodies against the virus. We will report the saliva antibody test results to you as soon as we can, but this may take a few months. The results will tell you if your child has antibodies against the virus, and may be able to distinguish whether these are natural antibodies (your child has been exposed to the virus previously) or whether they are antibodies obtained through vaccination. It is currently unclear how much protection this gives a person.