It certainly is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in school this week. All year groups have been enjoying rehearsals and I have been enjoying being able to hear their wonderful singing from my office. We have finished the week with a delicious Christmas dinner in our Christmas jumpers, a festive celebration with lights, glitter, music and Christmas crackers. Well done and thank you to our amazing kitchen team for being in so early to prepare hundreds of Christmas meals and to all the staff for helping us to keep on track, handing out crackers and singing along to the carols. I'm sure you'll enjoy the photos and article on the Updates page.

Attendance has been a bit lower this week as many families have experienced some illness. Seeing reports in the news last Friday and over the weekend, about a small number of tragic deaths of children from invasive Group A Streptococcal infection, has been particularly difficult. We send our sincere condolences to those affected.

I am very aware that this news has concerned parents and carers, so I wanted to reiterate the information sent to you on Monday. Please remember the most common infections caused by Group A streptococcus are mild: sore throat (strep throat), fever, scarlet fever and minor skin infections. In very rare cases, this infection can be more serious and cause invasive disease. Although the risk is very small, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms, which are a very high fever, severe muscle aches, localised muscle pain and unexplained diarrhoea or vomiting. If concerned, please contact NHS 111 or your GP practice. If appropriate, your GP can arrange for testing and treatment with antibiotics if necessary. If your child has a confirmed case of scarlet fever, they can return to school after 24 hours of starting the course, as long as they feel well.

We would like to reassure you that we are taking extra precautionary measures to ensure we safeguard all of our children. If any child presents with these symptoms, parents will be contacted immediately. Staff have all been made aware of the signs and symptoms and will continue to be vigilant in reporting these to our medical officer. We also have an additional daily cleaner on site to ensure surfaces and areas are cleaned throughout the day, as well as a thorough clean taking place each evening.