Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Government’s Guidance for full opening: schools, how many covid-19 home testing kits will be provided to (a) primary and (b) secondary schools; and by what date those testing kits will be provided.

Anyone who displays symptoms of COVID-19 has access to a test, and is strongly encouraged to get tested. If a child or staff member in any education setting becomes symptomatic, they should be advised to get a test through existing channels.

Between 26 August and 3 September all schools and further education colleges will receive an initial supply of 10 home test kits. These should only be offered to individuals who have developed symptoms while at school or college (or to their parent/carer if under 18) in the exceptional circumstance that they may have barriers to accessing a test elsewhere and that giving them a home test kit directly will therefore significantly increase the likelihood of them getting tested. This will help schools and colleges to take swift action to protect students and staff in the event of a positive test result. Arrangements for ordering additional test kits will be confirmed in due course.

Guidance on the provision of home testing kits is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-home-test-kits-for-schools-and-fe-providers.