We are pleased to announce that we will be working with Nature Friendly Schools, which is a ground-breaking project funded by the Department for Education and Natural England, with support from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

By developing teachers’ confidence and ability to drive forward outdoor learning in schools, Nature Friendly Schools will give thousands of children from some of the most deprived areas in England the opportunity to get closer to nature benefitting their learning, health and wellbeing, and care and concern for the environment. It will fuel creativity and a sense of adventure, allowing pupils to experience the joy that nature can bring, removing the inequality that currently exists.

Pupils will benefit from at least two hours spent learning outdoors every week, experiencing wildlife on their doorstep but also further afield. This can include long term changes such as the creation of new nature areas within their school grounds or the opportunity to visit local nature reserves or parks.

Nature Friendly Schools are holding a project launch webinar on Monday 10th May at 7pm via Zoom. Staff and parents are welcome to attend. 

It would be great to see you there! Here is the link to register in advance. Once registered, you will receive email confirmation with Zoom details.

Reminder about when and where to get tested

Regular testing for COVID-19 is essential in order to detect people who have the virus – with or without symptoms. Importantly, they can then self-isolate and stop passing on the virus to other people. Remember if you have symptoms or if you, anyone in your household or support bubble tests positive for COVID-19, you must self-isolate for 10 days to prevent the further spread of the virus. Over the last few months, there have been different testing options introduced, so here’s our guide

to when and where to get tested depending on your circumstances.

If you have COVID symptoms

If you have any of the COVID symptoms (high temperature, new or persistent cough or a loss of taste or smell), stay at home and book a test through www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or ring 119. There are 3 testing sites in Knowsley for people displaying symptoms (in Huyton, Kirkby and Stockbridge Village) and you will be offered the first available appointment at a test centre. Please note, you need an appointment to attend these testing sites.

If you don’t have symptoms and can’t work from home

There are 7 SMART test sites operating across the Borough offering testing (through Lateral Flow Tests). You don’t need to make an appointment, but please only visit these sites if you do not display any symptoms. For the locations and opening times, click here.

Remember a positive test means you have COVID-19 and you (and others in your household, support bubble and close contacts) need to self-isolate for 10 days.

If you live or work with children

If your household includes school children or people who work with school children, you can collect rapid (lateral) tests from Huyton, Kirkby and Stockbridge Village to carry out regular testing at home. These sites are open from 1pm until 8pm 7 days per week – no appointment is needed but please only attend during the specified times. You can find you nearest site here: https://find-covid-19-rapid-test-sites.maps.test-and- trace.nhs.uk/

Secondary school testing

From 8 March when all pupils started to return to the classroom, testing was offered to secondary school pupils. The first three tests would be undertaken on the school premises and then your school will issue home testing kits for you to continue with regular testing at home (twice weekly).

Positive result from a test carried out at home

If you receive a positive test result from a test you have carried out at home, you are required to book a confirmatory test through www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or ring 119. This is not required if you receive a positive test from either the SMART testing site, a test conducted on school premises or a test carried out at the symptomatic testing sites.

Importance of testing