I am writing in relation to the growing concern about Group A Strep which very rarely can also cause something called invasive group A streptococcal infection or iGAS which has resulted in 8 tragic child deaths in the UK in recent weeks.
Below are some links which will help you. At present we are confident the risk is very low but to ensure we are on alert to the symptoms and ready to support students should we need to. We have trained all our first aiders on the risks and what to look for and our student support team will receive extra support and training.
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
What are we doing as a school?
We continue to adhere to good hygiene routines, washing hands and keeping surfaces as clear as possible to ensure our amazing cleaners can do a thorough job in the morning and evening.
Staff will send students to student services f they meet the usual threshold of seeming genuinely and significantly unwell or injured. We will contact parents where necessary.
Where to get more information?
I know many of you are worried but please try and remain focused on the fact this is very rare and most who carry the bacteria are not ill and there is no natural progression from other illnesses; it happens only in a few, unfortunate cases.
If you have any concerns please email us on office@heartlands.haringey.sch.uk
Thank you
Mrs Roberts
Headteacher
Some reading/viewing if you wish to know more
