Latest News

Federation Newsletter - Winter 2022

Thu 15 Dec 2022

Please find below a link to the Federation's Winter Newsletter for 2022.

It's a celebration and showcase of the fantastic work that's been happening at Cherry Oak School, Victoria School and Victoria College.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE NEWSLETTER

We hope you all have a restful Christmas break and a great New Year.

Many thanks

Gary Coffey

(Executive Headteacher)

SEND Improvement Update

Wed 14 Dec 2022

Please select here for the latest SEND Improvement Update which includes news of changes and improvements in the SEND Partnership offering across Birmingham.

Highlights include:

A welcome from Helen Ellis - the new permanent Director for SEND and Inclusion
Information about improvements in SENAR Communication
News of a new website for Neurodevelopmental Pathway support
Information about the refreshed SEND Local Offer website and how to give your feedback
Plus you can read about the RISE and YES groups’ trip to Parliament

Victoria School Ofsted Report 2022

Mon 12 Dec 2022

We are pleased to share the latest Ofsted report, following our inspection on November 2nd and 3rd 2022. The link below opens a letter, which includes an overview of the key findings, areas of development and links to the full report.

CLICK HERE to read the report

Many thanks

Letter to Parents Increased incidence of Scarlet Fever

Fri 09 Dec 2022

Dear Parent(s) / Carer(s),

Re: Increase in scarlet fever

We are writing to inform you of a recent [national/local] increase in notifications of scarlet fever to the UK Health 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, you must 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 in schools, 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

Scarlett Fever Advice for Parents

Wed 07 Dec 2022

Group A Streptococcal Infection

Q. What is Group A Streptococcal?

Group A streptococci (GAS) are a type of bacteria that are spread by close contact between people.

Q. What infections can GAS cause?

GAS can cause Scarlet fever and sore throats, more rarely it can cause more serious disease.

Q. What is Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is it is highly infectious and usually is mild. Symptoms:

Sore throat
Headache
Fever
A fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. (On darker skin the rash can be more difficult to see but will have a sandpapery feel.)

Q. How is scarlet fever treated?

Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever.

Q. Can my child go to school?

If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Q. What is Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infection?

Very rarely, GAS can also cause more serious or ‘invasive’ infection (iGAS) including:

An infection of the bloodstream
Skin infection
Toxic shock syndrome.

As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, 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 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C 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

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scarlet-fever-managing-outbreaks-in-schools-and-nurseries

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-scarlet-fever-and-invasive-group-a-strep