The return to schools in August in Scotland saw a huge surge in demand for coronavirus tests, rising by 300 per cent in one week for children aged between two and 17, with some schools around the UK having been forced to close due to an outbreak in cases.

The increased demand for tests has been attributed to the typical bugs and colds that are common at the start of a new term, with many children being away from classrooms and fellow pupils since March.

But when should children be tested for coronavirus - and how should you book a test?

Has your child experienced coronavirus symptoms?

Here’s everything you need to know.

When should my child be tested for coronavirus?

Parents have been advised to only take their children out of education if they are experiencing one of the three main symptoms of coronavirus.

These include:

- a high temperature

- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot, for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours

- a loss or change to sense of smell or taste – this means they cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

Typical symptoms of a cold, such as a runny nose or a sore throat, are not considered symptoms of coronavirus, and as such, children do not need to be kept off school.

Should my child go to school if they have cold symptoms?

How do I book a test for my child?

Testing under the UK programme in Scotland is currently conducted in drive-through sites which operate at the following locations:

- Glasgow Airport

- Edinburgh Airport

- Aberdeen Airport

- Prestwick Airport

- Inverness - University of the Highlands and Islands campus

- Perth – University of Highland and Islands campus

There are also a number of mobile testing units which will be located in towns across Scotland for short periods each time.

The Scottish Government recommends that you do not travel more than 90 minutes to reach a testing site. If there is not a site nearby, you should try to book a home testing kit.

To book a test for your child, complete the self-help guide online first to check your child is eligible. If you cannot access the test form online, or need to help to complete it, call the coronavirus helpline on 0800 028 2816.

If your child has coronavirus symptoms, you can apply for a test for them whatever their age. If you are applying for a test for a child who is aged 13 or over, check with them first to ensure they are happy for you to get a test for them. A young person can apply for a test for themselves from the age of 16.

If you are unable to visit a test centre, you can order a home test kit using the self-referral form online via the government website.

These kits are delivered and collected by Amazon and Royal Mail, and they do not have access to the result or any health data. The home test option is also covered in the booking process. If you complete a self-referral and order a home test kit, it will be delivered to you the following day.

A Royal Mail courier will arrive the day after to collect it and take it to the lab. The aim is that results will then be received via text within 48 hours.

You can also order a free home test kit from the NHS website.

If you are concerned about your child, you can use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service for children aged five or over. For children under the age of five, call 111.

How do I perform a test on my child?

The test involves taking a swab of the inside of a child’s nose and the back of their throat, using a long cotton bud.

Children aged between 12 and 17 can do the swab themselves, or someone else can do it for them. At some testing sites, a tester will carry out the test for them.

Children aged 11 or under cannot perform the test themselves, so a parent or guardian must conduct it for them, whether at home or at a test centre. You will be given instructions on how to do this.

Some test sites will also have testers who will carry out the swab test, but this is only available for adults and children aged 12 and above.

Children may experience some brief discomfort when the swab touches their tonsils.

The NHS has a helpful video on how to conduct the test on children with as little irritation as possible.

Does the whole family need to be tested?

If you live with a child who has suspected coronavirus, you do not need to take a test unless you are also displaying symptoms.

However, you will need to self-isolate until you receive the results from your child’s coronavirus test. In the event the test comes back positive, you will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

How do I book a coronavirus test for my child? Covid-19 testing for children explained - and how to spot symptoms