13th December 2022

Dear Parent / Guardian,

We have been informed that a small number of children who attend Summerfield Primary School have been diagnosed with suspected / confirmed scarlet fever.

Although scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, it should be treated with antibiotics to minimise the risk of complications and reduce the spread to others.

The symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. This is followed by a fine red rash which typically first appears on the chest and stomach, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body. On more darkly pigmented skin, the scarlet rash may be harder to spot, but it should feel like 'sandpaper'. The face can be flushed red but pale around the mouth and in some cases this may be accompanied by red tongue (called "strawberry tongue").

If you think you, or your child, have scarlet fever:

• see your GP or contact NHS 111 as soon as possible

• make sure that you/your child takes the full course of any antibiotics prescribed by the doctor

• stay at home, away from nursery, school or work for at least 24 hours after starting

the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection

Children who have had chickenpox recently may develop more serious infection during an outbreak of scarlet fever and so parents should remain vigilant for symptoms such as a persistent high fever, cellulitis (skin infection) and arthritis (joint pain and swelling). If you are concerned for any reason, please seek medical assistance immediately.

If your child has an underlying condition which affects their immune system, you should contact your GP or hospital doctor to discuss whether any additional measures are needed.

You can find more information in the guidance Scarlet fever: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, Scarlet fever - NHS (www.nhs.uk) &  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scarlet-fever-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment

Please also see the school website ‘Latest News’ and the ‘Letters and Booklets’ sections on the home page and Parents page respectively: www.sumfield.bham.sch.uk as well as Class Charts. If you have not installed the Class Charts App then I would strongly advise you to do that urgently as it is our primary form of communication.

Please ask your child’s class teacher for support or advice in installing this app on your phone.

Yours Sincerely

Mr Richard Ellis - Headteacher