In recent days, we have seen increased media coverage and raised public anxiety regarding scarlet fever and Group A Streptococcal infections, especially in children, following a small number of tragic deaths.
Scarlet fever is a common childhood infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (also known as group A Streptococcus [GAS]). These bacteria may be found on the skin, throat and other sites where they can live without causing problems.
GAS can cause infections including sore throat, impetigo and scarlet fever which although unpleasant, are generally minor illnesses.
On rare occasions GAS can cause severe or invasive disease, including pneumonia and septicaemia.
It is important to remember that the overall risk to the population remains very low. However, as a precautionary measure, extra vigilance is paramount.
What to look out for
- Common symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, often with a red, swollen tongue, headache, fever and pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel.
- On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.
- Scarlet fever is typically treated with a course of antibiotics.
- If a pupil has scarlet fever, parents/carers should keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.
If you take your child to the doctors or hospital and a case of scarlet fever is confirmed, please inform us at school. All schools are required to inform the local authority and the UKHSA Health Protection Team if they have a positive case.
We are aware that some children are experiencing some or all of the common symptoms of scarlet fever and they are absent from school. We know this is a very worrying time for everyone. Please keep us up to date with any confirmed cases so we can take appropriate action at school.
This charity does amazing work to support families where a child has a genetic disorder. We have been learning about the difference between jeans and genes. We have been watching short films about the lives of children with genetic disorders, identifying what is the same and what is different about their lives and our lives and thinking about the challenges they face.
We are also amazed by your kindness at our Macmillan coffee afternoon on Friday 30 September. We raised £350 for this fabulous charity. They provide invaluable support for patients and their families. Thank you so much to everyone for your support.
Due to the restrictions on large gatherings in school, we were unable to offer our spring term class coffee mornings at the beginning of January. I really do hope this was the last time we had to cancel these coffee mornings and we will be able to get back to having parents and carers in school very soon.
Teachers usually give out information and guidance at the class coffee mornings to help you to support your child’s learning. We have put copies of some guidance on our website for you to refer to so you can support your child. There is guidance for Early Years, maths, reading and handwriting.
Autumn term B after school clubs for children in Years 1 to 4
I am delighted to announce that we have organised three after-school clubs for boys and girls in Years 1 to 4 for next half term. The details of the clubs are below-
Christmas crafty club with Mrs Lyons and Miss Winter on Mondays from 3:15pm to 4:15pm for Years 3 and 4
The children do not need to bring anything. They will bring home the things that they make.
The club will start on Monday 07 November and run for 7 weeks in total- Mondays 07, 14, 21 and 28 November and Mondays 05, 12 and 19 December.
Singing club with Miss Porter on Tuesdays from 3:15pm to 4:15pm for Years 1 and 2
The children need to bring a drink.
The club will start on Tuesday 01 November and run for 7 weeks in total- Thursdays 01, 08, 15, 22 and 29 November and Tuesdays 06 and 13 December.
Games club with NUFC on Thursdays from 3:15pm to 4:15pm for Years 1 and 2
Children need to wear their school PE kit (plain white t-shirt, shorts/tracksuit pants and trainers). The children have PE lessons on Thursdays so should be wearing their PE kit for school. They will also need to bring a drink.
The club will start on Thursday 03 November and run for 7 weeks in total- Thursdays 03, 10, 17, 24 November and Thursdays 01, 08 and 15 December.
All clubs
Children must be collected at 4:15pm from the main entrance at the school office.
The cost for your child to attend each club is £14.00. If you would like your child to take part, please complete and return the reply slip to school and pay via School Gateway by Monday 31 October. Places at the clubs are limited. We will write to confirm your child’s place at the club immediately after the payment deadline. The payment deadline will not be extended beyond this date.