Mixed feelings have been the response from parents around the state after the NSW Premier announced his return to school plan yesterday. Read more: Twice weekly RATs for children as return to school plan announced

The plan will see all students from Kindergarten to Year 12 undertake two Rapid Antigen Tests per week as 'surveillance testing' for infections. 

"Not really excited by the prospect of having to stab a swab up my daughter's nose twice a week," local Dad Brendon said. 

"I feel like a random selection of four classmates a week might have been more realistic in the less affected schools."

Mum of two Angela is sitting on the fence however the process has raised a few questions. 

"It's Ok to do it I guess," she said. 

"I am a bit worried about causing stress to kids, and question if the supply of RATs can be maintained to sustain it 2 a week, x every kid x every school across every town? 

"Someone’s getting rich off that!"

Meanwhile, Simon - Dad of one in a Lismore school believes it's a good thing. 

"I like the idea that our kids will have access to RATs and in the elevating of masks," he said. 

"We need to do what we can to keep schools open with face to face learning."

Amanda, who is Mum to teenagers in high school thinks the frequency may be a bit too much. 

"I think when there is such a shortage of RATs twice a week is a bit excessive. But masks being mandatory, yes!" she said. 

The biggest stress, however, may come for parents of the littlest ones and those with sensory issues. 

I myself fall into that category with a set of twin boys starting Kindergarten, one of whom is sensory ASD. 

I remain concerned for these kids that it is an additional stress which may impact them in a negative way. 

Asking small kids to do a regular nasal swab could go either way. While some may adjust, others may find it intrusive and it may become a turn off to them at the time they are adjusting to school life. 

For me personally I remain concerned over the types of swabs as a throat swab may be doable, however a nasal test for both my children, particularly one with ASD, seems an almost impossible task. 

While the theory is understandable there are plenty of concerns from parents, including the additional pressure on them and their work life. 

“Students learn best at school, some students have spent a quarter of their schooling at home. We’re committed to bringing students back safely,” Premier Dominic Perrottet said yesterday as he made the announcement. 

“New COVID-smart measures will help make this happen, including surveillance testing both students and staff twice weekly with RATs.

“What is most important about this approach is that it allows students to enjoy all aspects of their schooling in a safe and sensible way."

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said testing complements other COVID smart measures in schools, including mandatory vaccination for staff, increased vaccination coverage for students , mask-wearing, cleaning, cohorting and limited visitors on-site.

“We have worked closely with the Victorian Government to create plans that achieve the same important goals of seeing our students learning in their classrooms safely and with minimal disruption,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Activities students love, such as music, school sport and assemblies, will continue with settings in place similar to late last year.”

A number of staffing contingencies are in place including utilising retired and studying teachers.

The Association of Independent Schools of New South Wales Dr Geoff Newcombe AM said all three school sectors worked closely together to develop the back to school arrangements.

“School communities should feel confident about returning for Term 1 under these arrangements, which allow a wide range of activities to proceed with appropriate risk-assessment and planning,” Dr Newcombe said.

Catholic Schools NSW Chief Executive Officer Dallas McInerney said it is imperative that we have schools that are safe and that remain open.

“We need to keep our students, teachers and families safe and also provide stability. We know that our kids learn best when they’re in the classroom with their teacher and peers,” Mr McInerney said.

Families will be notified by their schools on how and when to collect the RAT kits for their children. 

Additional measures to be taken in the classroom include:

• Mandatory mask wearing for all staff and high school students, with masks encouraged for children in primary schools
• Limiting interaction between year groups
• Limiting visitors to those providing essential curriculum and wellbeing support
• COVID-safe settings in place for music, sport and excursions
• Maximising natural and mechanical ventilation, with air purifiers dispatched to where they are needed
• Contingency plans in place to manage any disruptions to the workforce