Victoria School
"Working Together for Success"
Victoria School
Working Together for Success
Latest News
See here for the latest news and updates
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Letter to Parents Increased incidence of Scarlet Fever
Fri 09 Dec 2022Dear 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
Scarlet fever: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
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Scarlett Fever Advice for Parents
Wed 07 Dec 2022Group 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
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Setting up Santa's Grotto
Mon 05 Dec 2022Friends of Victoria School, with the help of the Christmas Elves, are busy getting the grotto ready for this Saturday's Santa Special 🎅🎄🥳
We can't wait to share the final setup and welcome lots of families on 10/12/22 between 12:00pm and 3:00pm.
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Parents guide to help keep children safe online
Fri 25 Nov 2022
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Children In Need 2022
Mon 14 Nov 2022Dear families,
We are delighted to be supporting Children in Need 2022, by asking children to donate and dress in their most 'spotty' outfit (or pyjamas) on Thursday 17th November 2022.
Please see the letter here:
https://bit.ly/3UCVyY3
Many thanks
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Friends of Victoria AGM
Mon 14 Nov 2022
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Parent Governor Election Letter
Wed 09 Nov 2022Please click here for the Parent Governor Election Letter
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Ofsted inspection - Letter to parents
Tue 01 Nov 2022Please click HERE to view a letter regarding the Ofsted inspection taking place Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd.
You can share your views about the school by completing Ofsted's online survey, Ofsted Parent View, at: https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk.
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Governor Newsletter Autumn 2022
Tue 04 Oct 2022Dear all,
The latest Governor Newsletter has now been published on the school's website.
You can view it by following this link:
More information on the role of the Governors, and the support that they offer to the Federation, can be found on the school's website under 'Key Information' -- 'Governors'
Many thanks
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Lucy's Welcome Letter (4.10.22)
Tue 04 Oct 2022Dear families,
Please find below a link to Lucy Guppy's (Head of School) welcome letter.
If you have any questions, then please feel free to contact the school.
Many thanks
Gary Coffey
(Executive Headteacher)
