Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that mainly affects children. It causes a distinctive pink-red rash.

The illness is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, also known as group A streptococcus, which are found on the skin and in the throat.

Generally, scarlet fever is much less common than it used to be but in recent years there have been a number of significant outbreaks.

For example, figures published by Public Health England show that from September 2013 to March 2014 there were 2,830 cases of scarlet fever. For the same period in 2014/15 a total of 5,746 cases were recorded. The reason for recent increase is unclear.

It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever so that early treatment with antibiotics can be given.

Scarlet fever symptoms

Scarlet fever usually follows a sore throat or a skin infection, such as impetigo, caused by particular strains of streptococcus bacteria.

Initial symptoms usually include a sore throat, headache and a high temperature (38.3C/101F or above), flushed cheeks and a swollen tongue.

A day or two later the characteristic pinkish rash appears. It usually occurs on the chest and stomach before spreading to other areas of the body, such as the ears and neck.

The symptoms of scarlet fever usually develop two to five days after infection, although the incubation period (the period between exposure to the infection and symptoms appearing) can be as short as one day or as long as seven days.

The rash feels like sandpaper to touch and it may be itchy. On darker skin the rash may be more difficult to see although its rough texture should be apparent.

When to seek medical advice

Scarlet fever usually clears up after about a week, but if you think you or your child may have it, see your GP for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Your GP should be able to diagnose scarlet fever by examining the distinctive rash and asking about other symptoms. They may also decide to take a sample of saliva from the back of the throat so it can be tested in a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.

There's no evidence to suggest that catching scarlet fever when pregnant will put your baby at risk. However, if you're heavily pregnant, tell the doctors and midwives in charge of your care if you've been in contact with someone who has scarlet fever.

How scarlet fever spreads

Scarlet fever is very contagious and can be caught by:

• breathing in bacteria in airborne droplets from an infected person's coughs and sneezes
• touching the skin of a person with a streptococcal skin infection, such as impetigo
• sharing contaminated towels, baths, clothes or bed linen

It can also be caught from carriers – people who have the bacteria in their throat or on their skin but don't have any symptoms.

SATs information for Parents

Information produced by the DFE is available to view via the link on Latest News Documents and through our School APP

The staff and children had a great morning doing our whole school PE lesson. We smashed our challenge aim of running 500 laps in 20 minutes by over 90 laps!! Well done to everyone involved. Photos from the Sport Relief Challenge can be found in the 'Children' tab under 'Clubs'.

Kidderminster Harriers Community Scheme will be holding footballcourses for children aged 5-14 years during the Easter holidays.

The focus is on saving goals and scoring goals and will include our Goal of the Day and Save of the Day competitions plus our regular six-a-side tournament.

Courses run 10am-3pm. Half days, 10-12.30 or 1-3 are available if a full day is too much. Courses are held at:

Tenbury High Academy 29th& 30th March

Droitwich Witton Middle School 29^th, 30^th & 31st March

Bromsgrove Catshill Middle School 30th, 31st March, 1st April

Kinver High School 31st March & 1st April

Worcester Bishop Perowne College 4th & 5th April

Malvern Dyson Perrins Academy 4th & 5th April

Kidderminster Baxter College 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th April

Cleobury Mortimer Sports Centre 6th, 7th, 8th April

Cost is £10.00 per day, £19 for two, £26 for three or £34 for 4 days. Half days cost £5 per day. Places can be booked by calling the Community Office on 01562 863821 or email harrierscommunity@hotmail.co.uk. Payment can be made in advance or on the day, cash/cheque only.

Easter Service

On Thursday 24th March all the children will be taking part in an Easter Service in St. Johns Church Wolverley from 1.15pm.

All family and friends are welcome to attend the church service and join us back at school for refreshments.

There will be a very large Easter Egg Tombola in the school hall that you can attempt to win back lots of chocolate!!!

During the morning the children will be provided with Easter themed activities that will be do in class and bring home at the end of the day. 

We look forward to spending the last day of our Spring term enjoying and reflecting on what has been a truly magical term. 

THANK YOU!

Thank you for all your support this term. The school has raised an amazing amount of money for the NSPCC and Sport Relief this term and your generosity continued last week with the donations of Easter Eggs. 

We never take your support for granted and I would like to thank you as it really makes a difference and our children will always see the positive impact. 

What a team! 

Bike Marking Event 20th March 2016

West Mercia Police are holding a FREE bike marking evening on Sunday 20th March 2016 from 11am - 1pm on The Lock PH car park (near the tea rooms)

Whole School PE lesson

Friday 18th March

All the children and pupils (yes I do own trainers) will take part in a whole school PE lesson on Mill Lane from 11am on Friday 18th March. 

Pupils can come to school in their 'sporty clothes' for the day and if wish bring a donation for Sport Relief that takes place the same day. 

Miss Bidnell and Mr McDonnell will lead the event and parents are welcome to join in!!!

World Book Day

Thursday 3rd March

Pupils can come to school dressed as their favourite book character and bring to school their favourite book to share during the day. Mr. Price will arrange a variety of World Book Day themed activities for all the children during the day. A book token will be issued to each pupil to use in a near by book shop. Further details to follow soon.