NSCD is taking part in a UK-wide government scheme offering rapid, lateral flow testing devices (LFDs) to universities in England as part of the roadmap out of lockdown. We are working in partnership with Leeds Beckett University who are kindly administering the initial tests on NSCD’s behalf, and follow-up tests will be made available by NSCD in the form of a home test kit.
These safe, free tests are voluntary and recommended for all those returning to university. Each test takes around 10 minutes and results are given within the hour.
We have arranged lateral flow tests for w/c Monday 8 March. All teaching will remain online during that week. Once the first round of testing is complete we will begin face-to-face teaching in studios, w/c Monday 15 March.
Those who have opted in to testing via Moodle should attend at the following times:
Tuesday 9 March
12.30pm – BA 3A
1.10pm – BA 3B
1.50pm – BA 3C
2.30pm – BA 1A
3.10pm – BA 1B
3.50pm – CertHE B
Wednesday 10 March
12.30pm – BA 2C
1.10pm – BA 2B
1.50pm – BA 2A
2.30pm – CertHE A
3.10pm – BA 1C
3.50pm – BA 1D
Testing will take place at the Events Hall in Leeds Beckett University’s Student Union, at the City Campus near the Leeds Direct Arena (not at NSCD).
Click here for directions.
The OfS has advised that travel for students returning to university is permitted. Once you arrive at your term-time address you should remain there until the end of term and not travel back and forth.
Students who are overseas should follow travel operator and UK border guidelines upon return to the UK, including isolation periods.
It is important that if you opt into the testing programme you should return to term-time accommodation by Sunday 7 March. If you have already communicated with staff about a later return to School than this, get in touch with us to manage your return and testing nearer the time.
You should register your intention to take part in lateral flow testing via Moodle.
Once you have selected the “I would like to be part of the testing programme” option on the poll, you should attend the Leeds Beckett testing centre during your allotted slot. There will be a short registration process at the testing site.
As a Higher Education Provider, we are keen to do everything we can to support the local, national, and international effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The Department for Education has stated that it is mandatory for us as a provider to make tests available for our students and staff. Working in partnership with the Department for Health and Social Care, and Public Health England, our focus is now on supporting our students and staff in returning after the national lockdown and making the School environment as secure as possible. Leeds Beckett University has kindly offered to partner in providing the tests so that we can maximise the use of available resources.
Giving our students and staff the opportunity to take a test on their arrival provides assurance regarding the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
All staff and current students at NSCD will have access to testing at Leeds Beckett University’s City Campus, including students from the UK, international students, undergraduate students and postgraduate students.
Please note: The mass testing centre is specifically aimed at students and staff who do not have COVID-19 symptoms. If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 please complete the COVI-10 report form, follow guidance RE self-isolation and book a test at the nearest local test centre.
There are exemptions:
Participation is entirely voluntary, on an “opt-in” basis, and you may withdraw from the testing activity at any point. However, since NSCD is such a small institution we value how much this test can support our ability to create a safe environment for returning students. It may reduce our need to ask groups of students to self-isolate and reduce anxiety for everyone.
Testing helps to break the line of transmission especially if you are infected but are not aware of it (ie asymptomatic).
If you decide to opt out of the testing programme, we will ask you to self-isolate for 10 days before joining face-to-face classes on Thursday 18 March in order to reduce the risk of increased transmission. All essential classes will be available online for you to access.
Mass flow testing is taking place for NSCD staff and students at Leeds Beckett University’s Student Union. For directions click here
We ask that you arrive at the Leeds Beckett SU building ready for your allotted time, where you will be guided to an appropriate entrance point.
You will receive guidance on how to take the Lateral Flow antigen test, supported by trained on-site staff. The test involves applying a swab to the throat and nose. The sample is processed on-site, and results are available within the hour. All students and staff attending for tests will be advised to wear face coverings (unless exempt) and observe 2 metre physical distancing. Help will be on hand at every stage of the process.
Bring and wear a face covering, your mobile and some ID including your NSCD student/staff ID card.
Appropriate face coverings need to be worn throughout the testing process whilst in the testing facility apart from when guided by a testing operative to remove it when your sample is taken. Should you have age, health or disability reasons for not wearing a face covering, please wear a visor to the site and alert the testing co-ordinator about your situation as soon as you arrive so they can take additional precautions.
If the test is positive: We ask that you report this information through the COVID-19 self-reporting tool here so that student services can be on hand to support your isolation period of 10 days. You will be asked to book a full COVID-19 test (the nearest test centre is across the road from the school). Those you live with will also need to self-isolate for 10 days or until you receive a negative PCR test.
If the lateral flow test is negative: If the test is negative you can access your classes at NSCD as timetabled, following all COVID-safe measures (washing hands, wearing masks and making space for each other).
Click here for more information on self-isolation.
For the time being, it is our aim to re-introduce all of the safety measures, procedures and protocols we had in place in autumn, including social distancing, food collection service, one way systems, and online library. We ask you to play your part in this and wash hands regularly and sanitise communal spaces at home.
Based on recent research around the spread of the virus, we are asking students to wear masks in all spaces in the school. Please ensure that you have enough replacement masks to keep you going whilst others are in the laundry.
The exemption to the rule for wearing masks is generally if you have a medical condition or have had a trauma-related incident which makes wearing one difficult. Please talk to Student Services and tutors and they will offer guidance and support around this on an individual basis.
If someone you live with tests positive, please follow current guidance on self-isolating. Details of support available to help make the process of self-isolation as comfortable as possible can be found here.
Anyone who is a close contact of someone who tests positive is required to follow current guidance on self-isolating. Details of support available to help make the process of self-isolation as comfortable as possible can be found here.
When registering for your test, check carefully that your mobile number has been entered correctly. If you do not receive your test result within 24 hours, please contact the test centre to arrange another test.
A copy of your result will be sent to your GP. If you have tested positive, a notification will be sent to Public Health England (in England).
NSCD and NHS Test and Trace take the protection of your privacy very seriously. To find out how your personal data will be used when you register for a coronavirus test read the Government’s coronavirus privacy note.
