The initiative is being led by the Public Health Agency working together with range of delivery partners, including the Education Authority and Queen's University Belfast. The programme is jointly sponsored by the Departments of Health and Education and is subject to business case approval.

All asymptomatic staff and pupils attending special schools in Northern Ireland will be offered regular testing using a new testing technology called LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification). LAMP is a saliva based test and is expected to be easier than swab testing for children attending special schools.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “LAMP testing is a significant development in our fight against Covid-19.  The introduction of this new testing intervention for staff and pupils in special schools will allow positive cases to be identified early so that they and their contacts can isolate, helping to prevent further transmission of Covid-19 within these school settings. 

“New Testing Interventions (NTIs) are progressing in a range of educational settings in Northern Ireland, including schools and universities, with the PHA playing an important role in their planning and operational delivery.  Testing is one element in our road map out of this pandemic and I hope everyone avails of the opportunity to be tested, to keep themselves and those they care for safe.”

Dr Deirdre Gilpin, researcher from the School of Pharmacy and one of the Queen's leads on the project, said: “Saliva testing represents an alternative sampling strategy for people who find nose and throat sampling uncomfortable or distressing. We are delighted to be able to support the National Testing Initiative by providing this rapid saliva test to staff and students in special schools.  We hope that it will provide reassurance to staff, students and their families, by rapidly identifying any potential outbreaks and reducing transmission."

Welcoming the announcement, Education Minister Peter Weir said: “Special schools have remained opened during the current period of restrictions. As a result, there have been calls for additional measures to support staff and students.

“The nature of special schools means that social distancing is difficult and it is important that staff are given every support possible to help them continue their vital and valuable work. Access to this testing programme will help provide additional reassurance to teaching staff, pupils and parents. I would encourage all staff and pupils to take the tests.”