Dear Parents/Carers

We would like to share with you the following guidance from the UKHSA and what to do if you suspect your child might have Strep A:

• Strep A starts as a sore throat, headache and temperature
• It develops to Scarlet fever – a pinkish red body rash with a sandpapery feel, possible strawberry tongue and red cheeks
• Seek medical advice from 111 or your GP as soon as you suspect you might have Strep A or Scarlet fever as this needs treatment with antibiotics. Scarlet fever is highly infectious and is a notifiable disease in England and Wales (this means health professionals must inform local health protection teams of suspected cases).
• Your child must stay off school a full 24 hours after starting the antibiotics
• Please see the NHS website for further information and images of what a Scarlet Fever can look like: Scarlet fever – Scarlet fever – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• Your GP may wish to take a swab

Your child must not come into School if you suspect / have been informed that they have Strep A or Scarlet fever.  Please ensure you notify School of the reason for their absence as soon as possible.

NHS guidance states you should avoid mixing with certain groups of people – for example, anyone who is pregnant or immunosuppressed.

Please remember the importance of good hand and cough hygiene to help prevent the spread of infection:

• wash your hands often with soap and water
• use tissues with you cough or sneeze and bin them straight afterwards: Preventing and controlling infections – Preventing and controlling infections – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

When your child feels well enough to be able to return to School please contact the school who will discuss arrangements for their return.