The NHS have launched the contact tracing app for COVID-19. They have sent information about this to schools which we think is important to share with you. There is a link to useful information about the app, which is also attached as a pdf file.
It is entirely your decision to download and use the app. Given the rising rate of infections nationally it seems like a very sensible choice and another tool in our toolkit along with the safety measures we already follow. There is a great emphasis on the security of the app and that it does not use your personal data, which is reassuring.
The app can be used by anyone over the age of 16, which includes some Y11 and Sixth Form students. If your child is over 16 and chooses to use the app then we need to make sure they inform someone in school if they have a notification of a positive contact.
Poster about storing phones in lockers
Here is the information shared by the DfE:
Guidance on the use of the NHS COVID-19 app in schools and further education colleges
On 24 September, NHS Test and Trace will launch the NHS COVID-19 app to help control the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). It will do this by alerting people who may have been exposed to infection so that they can take action.
The app will be available to download for anyone aged 16 and over. This means that some students in year 11, students in years 12, 13 and in further education colleges will be eligible to use the app and benefit from its features.
