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Strep A Letter to Parents

Tue 13 Dec 2022 Mr Ellis

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

MESSAGE TO PARENTS FROM THE UK HEALTH SECURITY ACENCY.

Thu 08 Dec 2022 Mr Ellis

Dear Parent(s) / Carer(s),

Re: Increase in scarlet fever

We are writing to inform you of a recent national increase in notifications of scarlet fever to the UKHealth Security Agency (UKHSA), above seasonal expected levels.We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the signs, symptoms and the actions to be taken if you think that you or your child might have scarlet fever.

Signs and symptoms of scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a common childhood infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A Streptococcus (GAS). It is not usually serious, but should be treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications (such as pneumonia) and spread to others. The early symptoms of scarlet fever include sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. After 12 to 48 hours, the characteristic red, pinhead rash develops, typically first appearing on the chest and stomach, then rapidly spreading to other parts of the body, and giving the skin a sandpaper-like texture. The scarlet rash may be harder to spot on darker skin, although the 'sandpaper' feel should be present.Patients typically have flushed cheeks and be pale around the mouth. This may be accompanied by a bright red red ‘strawberry’ tongue.

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

contact your GP or NHS 111 as soon as possible
make sure that you or your child take(s) the full course of any antibiotics prescribed. Although you or your child will feel better soon after starting the course of antibiotics, youmust complete the course to ensure that you do not carry the bacteria in your throat after you have recovered
stay at home, away from nursery, school or work for at least 24 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection
You can help stop the spread of infection through frequent hand washing and by not sharing eating utensils, clothes, bedding and towels. All contaminated tissues should be disposed of immediately.

Invasive Group A Strep (iGAS)

The same bacteria which cause scarlet fever can also cause a range of other types of infection such as skin infections (impetigo) and sore throat. In very rare cases, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive group A strep (iGAS). Whilst still very uncommon,there has been an increase in iGAS cases this year, particularly in children under 10 years old. It is very rare for children with scarlet fever to develop iGAS infection.

As a parent, you should trust your own judgement. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:

your child is getting worse
your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
your child is very tired or irritable Call 999 or go to A&E if:
your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
there are pauses when your child breathes
your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

Stop the spread

During periods of high incidence of scarlet fever, there may also be an increase in outbreaks inschools, nurseries and other childcare settings. Children and adults with suspected scarlet fever should stay off nursery / school / work until 24 hours after the start of appropriate antibiotic treatment. Good hygiene practice such as hand washing remains the most important step in preventing and controlling spread of infection.

Resources

NHS – Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment Health protection in education and childcare settings Hand hygiene resources for schools

Message to Parents and Carers

Fri 29 Apr 2022

Throughout this week we have all been coming to terms with the devastating news that our Deputy Head Teacher, Kerriann Morris, has tragically passed away. The impact that Ms Morris had on the school and wider community was incredible, shown by the overwhelming messages of kindness which have come pouring in from parents and friends of the school.

Pupils and staff have supported and cared for each other throughout this week, helping each other as we come to terms with such a loss. Although it has been extremely difficult, alongside tears and sadness we have also experienced lots of smiles and laughter as we have shared our wonderful memories of Ms Morris. It is clear to see what a wonderful presence she had throughout our school, sharing her positive, caring and fun energy with everyone.

Over the coming weeks, we will be coming together in our classes and as a whole school to continue sharing our memories and we will communicate these upcoming plans to celebrate Ms Morris’ life with you all in the near future.

On behalf of all the staff at Summerfield, we would like to thank you for your continued support, kindness and compassion.

Richard Ellis (Head Teacher)

Sharminder Kaur (Chair of Governors)

Important Updates

Strep A Letter to Parents

MESSAGE TO PARENTS FROM THE UK HEALTH SECURITY ACENCY.

Message to Parents and Carers

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