SS Osmund & Andrew’s Primary School in Bolton has been advised to limit large gatherings and mixing
It became the norm during the pandemic, but now a Bolton school has reintroduced class bubbles to stop the spread of infections. The bubbles are among a number of measures being taken at SS Osmund & Andrew’s Primary School in Breightmet following a ‘small number of Group A Strep infections within the school’.
Following guidance from the community infection control team, the school has been advised to limit large gatherings and internal mixing to further reduce the risk of transmission before the Easter break.
All large-scale events, including school assemblies, Mass, and the school’s Easter production have either been postponed or cancelled, along with Parents’ Evening and Reception Stay & Play sessions.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. And don’t miss out on all the latest news and events for families with our Manchester Family newsletter HERE
After-school clubs have been suspended until further notice and during breaks and lunchtimes, children are staying within their own class groups.
In a newsletter to parents, the school said: “We will ensure they still have access to outdoor space and fresh air, but they will not be able to mix with children from other year groups or classes at this time.
“We understand that these changes are disappointing, particularly as we look forward to our Easter celebrations. However, our priority remains the health and well-being of our pupils, staff, and the wider school community.
“We continue to encourage the infection control measures mentioned in our previous letter, such as regular handwashing and the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach to coughs and sneezes. Thank you for your continued patience, cooperation, and understanding during this time. We will keep you updated should the situation change.”
The school closes for the Easter holidays on April 2, when it’s hoped the measures will be dropped.
Headteacher Jim Graves told the Manchester Evening News: “The decision to reschedule or amend certain upcoming events has been made following specific guidance from the Community Infection Prevention and Control Team. To help limit the spread of Strep A, the team has advised avoiding large group gatherings until after the Easter period.
“As a school, our absolute priority is the health and wellbeing of our children, staff, and the wider community. We are taking these proactive, precautionary steps to ensure everyone remains as healthy as possible during the holiday break.
“We would like to thank our parents and carers for their continued cooperation and for the overwhelming support they have shown for the school in adhering to this professional health guidance.”
Strep A symptoms
Strep A is a common type of bacteria, with infections most commonly found in children. Most strep A infections are not serious and will get better on their own.
Strep A symptoms include:
- flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, swollen glands or an aching body
- sore throat (strep throat or tonsilitis)
- a rash that feels rough, like sandpaper (scarlet fever)
- scabs and sores (impetigo)
- painful, hot and swollen areas of skin (cellulitis)
- severe muscle aches
According to the NHS, if a child does not seem to be seriously ill, you can usually look after them at home. They should feel better in a few days.
If they’re uncomfortable, you can give them children’s paracetamol or children’s ibuprofen. Check the leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child and to see how much to give them. A pharmacist can give you advice about how to ease your child’s symptoms and whether you need to see a doctor.
A Bolton Council spokesperson said: “Infections do arise from time to time in educational settings, and schools are supported to respond using standard infection prevention and control measures.”
You must be logged in to post a comment Login