From 16 August, if the close contact of someone with COVID-19 is under 18, they will not have to self-isolate (in line with the policy for fully vaccinated adults) but will be asked to take an PCR test (other than for very young children identified as non-household contacts). They will not need to self-isolate while awaiting the results of the test. If the PCR test is positive, they will be required to self-isolate for 10 days from the date of the test. NHS Test and Trace will then get in touch to identify close contacts.

NHS Test and Trace already manages the contact tracing process for the rest of society - including children who have recorded a positive PCR test - and has expertise in supporting people to identify close contacts. Education and childcare settings will no longer be asked to conduct routine contact tracing

The symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) to look out for:

The main symptoms of coronavirus in children are:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough - this means coughing a lot, for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
• a loss or change to sense of smell or taste - this means that cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

 Other symptoms:

There have been a number of other symptoms widely reported for children who have tested positive for COVID-19, especially with the Delta variant. These include:

• nasal congestion or runny nose
• sore throat
• diarrhoea and vomiting
• stomach pain
• headache
• muscle ache (myalgia).

What to do if your child has any of the main symptoms of

coronavirus (COVID-19):

Do not come into school and get a test to check if they have coronavirus as soon as possible 

(www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test ) or by calling 119.

What if a student is a close contact of someone with Covid- e.g. in same household?

It is recommended that students take a PCR test but continue to attend school unless they get symptoms or a positive test result (LFD or PCR). We would recommend supporting us with daily LFD tests during the first 10 days. Individuals are not required to self-isolate if they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:

• they are fully vaccinated
• they are below the age of 18 years and 6 months
• they have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
• they are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection - GOV.UK

We recognise how difficult the past 18 months have been and the sacrifices that all families, education and childcare settings have had to make. This has been an enormously challenging time for everyone and we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for everything you have done.

Please also take the time to read the latest guidance on Contract Tracing for Children and Young People Below: