Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• World book day 2023

  Wed 22 Feb 2023 Mrs Hudson

  Dear Parent(s)/Carer,

   

  World Book Day® is a charity that changes lives through a love of books and reading. Our school mission is to promote reading for pleasure, offering every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own. Reading for pleasure is a vital indicator of a child’s future success - We want to see every child leave our school with a life-long habit of reading for pleasure and awareness of the improved life chances this brings them

   

   

  This year, World Book Day is on Thursday 2^nd March 2023 and to celebrate we will be running various activities, events and competitions for children in school throughout next week.

   

  Every year on World Book Day, we are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of our school community. However, we know that this year, many families may find themselves in a difficult financial situation - we don’t want our celebrations to be an additional burden. Therefore, we are suggesting that children coming to school dressed as a character from a book is an optional activity – children can either choose to participate or not. If you do choose to dress your child up, please don’t go to any great expense: home-made costumes are always that bit more fun! If you choose not to dress up, that’s fine – children can come to school in their usual uniform. All children will participate in fun and celebratory activities in school, so please be reassured that no child will be left out.

   

  As always, each child will be given a £1 book token which they can exchange for a special World Book Day book (see reverse for this year’s selections). We look forward to seeing the children participate in this annual event with their usual sense of fun and enthusiasm!

   

  Thanks for your continued support.

   

   

   

  Mrs G Hudson

  SLT English Lead        

  

• Scarlet Fever

  Fri 16 Dec 2022 Mr Youngman

  Dear Parent / Guardian 

   

  Re: Scarlet Fever 

  We have been informed that a small number of children who attend Eastcroft Park have been  diagnosed with scarlet fever.  

  We are following UK Health Security Agency national advice for scarlet fever. This advises  that although scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, it should be treated with antibiotics to  minimise the risk of complications and reduce the spread to others.  

   

  Symptoms of scarlet fever:  

  The symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting.  This is followed by a fine red rash which typically first appears on the chest and stomach,  rapidly spreading to other parts of the body. On more darkly-pigmented skin, the scarlet rash  may be harder to spot, but it should feel like 'sandpaper'. The face can be flushed red but pale  around the mouth.  

  If you think you or your child have scarlet fever:  

  • See your GP or contact NHS 111 as soon as possible. 

  • Make sure that you/your child takes the full course of any antibiotics prescribed by the  doctor. 

  • Stay at home and away from nursery, school or work for at least 24 hours after  starting the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection.  

   

  If you/your child has an underlying condition which affects the immune system, you should  contact your GP or hospital doctor to discuss whether any additional measures are needed.  

   

  Potential complications: 

  Children who have had chickenpox recently are more likely to develop more serious infection  during an outbreak of scarlet fever and so parents/guardians should remain vigilant for symptoms such as a persistent high fever, cellulitis (skin infection) and arthritis (joint pain and  swelling). If you are concerned for any reason please seek medical assistance immediately.  All children with chickenpox should remain off school / nursery until at least 5 days  after the start of their rash AND until all their spots have crusted over. 

   

  Infection control advice: 

  We are following national advice on hygiene measures to help prevent spread infection within  our school / nursery. Parents/guardians can also help with this by reminding children of the  importance of coughing / sneezing into tissues and placing these in the bin, washing hands  regularly and ensuring any breaks to the skin are covered with a waterproof plaster/dressing  before attending school / nursery. 

  Further information: 

  You can find more information at: 

  - NHS Choices https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/ 

  - UKHSA Scarlet Fever Frequently Asked Questions  

  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scarlet-fever-symptoms-diagnosis treatment 

  If you have any further questions, please contact the school on 0151 477 8210.

   

  Yours sincerely, 

  Miss J A Withey 

  Headteacher

  

• Group A Strep (GAS)

  Mon 12 Dec 2022 Mr Youngman

  Dear Parents/ Carers,

  As you will be aware from reports in the news, across the country we are seeing four times more Scarlet Fever cases than is usual for this time of year. Therefore, it is important to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of Scarlet Fever. Please see the information below.

  What is Group A Strep (GAS)?

  Group A Strep is the name of a bacteria that most commonly causes throat infections, skin infections / Scarlet Fever. It is also able to cause more serious infections, but this does not happen very often. Signs & Symptoms of Scarlet Fever

  The symptoms are the same for children and adults, although scarlet fever is less common in adults. Scarlet Fever most commonly happens in children aged under 10 years old and it can be treated with antibiotics.

  The first symptoms of Scarlet Fever are the same as those caused by viruses that commonly cause infection at this time of year and they include: sore throat, headache, fever (may be 38.3˚C (101˚F) or higher), nausea & vomiting. At this stage of the infection Scarlet Fever is hard to diagnose unless your child had been in contact with another child who has already been diagnosed with Scarlet Fever. And not every child will get all the symptoms, some people don’t get any symptoms.

  12-48 hours after the initial symptoms a fine rash may appear first on the chest and tummy and then it spreads quickly to the rest of the body. When you feel the rash, it feels rough like sandpaper.

   

   

   

  This rash appears pink or red on white skin and may not be as obvious on someone with brown / black skin.

   

  It is common for children with Scarlet Fever to have a white coating on their tongue that peels off and then the tongue appears red and swollen. If your child’s skin is pale, they may also have red cheeks. Symptoms can also include swollen lymph glands.

   

   

   

  NHS Web-site

  When should I contact my GP / NHS 111?

  Scarlet fever is very easily spread. Check with a GP before you go in. They may suggest a phone consultation.

  • Contact your GP as soon as possible if your child has symptoms of Scarlet Fever or are feeling unwell and have been in contact with someone who has scarlet fever.
  • Let your GP know if your child does not get better in a week (after seeing a GP), are ill again, weeks after scarlet fever got better as this can be a sign of a complication, such as rheumatic fever.
  • It is also important that you let your GP know if your child gets chickenpox at the same time as Scarlet Fever

  You should also contact your GP / NHS 111 if as a parent, you feel that your child seems seriously unwell. You should trust your own judgement. Contact your GP / NHS 111 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

  If it is Scarlett Fever your GP may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics will shorten the length of time your child is infectious (can pass the bacteria unto someone else) and can help toreduce the chance of them developing a more serious infection. Your child can return to school 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment for Scarlet Fever if they are well enough and their temperature has settled. It is important that they continue to take all their antibiotic treatment even if they start to feel better.

  When should I call 999 / go to A & E?

  • 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 o your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
  • your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

   

   

  Should I let anyone else know if my child has Scarlet Fever?

   

  You can spread scarlet fever to other people up to 6 days before you get symptoms until 24 hours after you take your 1st dose of antibiotics. If you do not take antibiotics, you can spread the infection for 2 to 3 weeks after your symptoms start.

  If your child attends a baby-sitter with other children, a nursery / school it would be helpful to tell them that your child has Scarlet Fever.

  Scarlet fever is a notifiable disease in England and Wales. This means health professionals must inform local health protection teams of suspected cases.

  If me or my child is diagnosed with Scarlet Fever, what can I do to stop spreading the infection?

   

  DO	DO NOT
  Encourage them to wash their hands often with soap & water	Share  Towels,  bedding  /cups &  cutlery before washing them
  Use tissues when they cough and sneeze and bin it afterwards	Allow them to mix with other children if possible until 24 hours after they have started their antibiotics.

   

  What can I do relieve the symptoms?

  You can relieve symptoms of scarlet fever by:

  • drinking cool fluids
  • eating soft foods if you have a sore throat
  • taking painkillers like paracetamol to bring down a high temperature (do not give aspirin to children under 16)
  • using calamine lotion or antihistamine tablets to ease itching

   

  Where to get more information?

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/

   

   

  As a school we have strict measures in place for managing infection prevention and we follow the National Guidance (link below) for managing infection prevention control and infectious diseases.

  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare- facilities

   

  Additionally, please notify us immediately if your child tests positive so that we can take the necessary precautions.

   

  Yours sincerely,

   

  Miss J A Withey Headteacher

  

• KS2 Xmas play - Additional performance

  Wed 07 Dec 2022 Mr Youngman

  Dear Parent(s)/Carer,  

   

  Due to unprecedented demand, there will be an additional 3rd performance of the KS2 Carol Concert. This will be on Thursday 15th December 2022 at 10am in the Junior Hall for parents/carers of children in any KS2 year group.  

   

  We completely appreciate and understand that some families may want more family members to attend performances; however, we are bound by Health and Safety laws and Fire Regulations which permit us to fit a maximum of 80 adults at any performance. This is why we initially allocated 1 ticket to every child – every child deserves to have at least one adult watch them perform! Now that we have managed to squeeze in a 3rd performance, hopefully this will enable more family members to attend and enjoy the performance.  

   

  If you would like to swap the allocated ticket you have already received for either the Tues/Wed performance and exchange it for 2 tickets to the Thursday performance, can you please RETURN your original ticket to your child’s class teacher. Once we have received this, we will then be able to send 2 tickets home for the Thursday performance and pass your returned ticket to another family. If you wish to KEEP your original ticket, but would like an additional ticket for either the Tuesday or Wednesday performance, please indicate below and if any are available, they will be sent home with your child. Please be reassured that we will do our very best to make sure that all reasonable requests are accommodated for.  

   

  Please can we also ask that you work with us in ensuring everybody gets a fair chance at getting additional tickets by not asking for 2 tickets for every performance! As long as your child sees a family member at one of the three performances, they will be happy!  

   

  Thanks for your continuing support and Merry Christmas!  

   

  Mrs G. Hudson

  Senior Leadership Team. 

  

• On-site parking

  Sun 27 Nov 2022 Mr Youngman

  Dear Parents and Carers,

   

  I am writing to remind you about the parking rules at school.

   

  In the morning we allow our breakfast club parents and carers to drive and drop off at the car park at 8.00am.

   

  At the end of the day we do not allow any parent to use the car park or driveway. This is because the gate next to the car park is where Year 1 and 2 leave the school. We do this for everyone’s safety – pedestrians and drivers.

   

  We know that parking outside of the school at the end of the day is a challenge, but the school car park cannot be a part of the solution. We ask that parents and carers use the parking spaces and the roadside on the far side of Hollinghurst Road, not the side next to the school so this can be kept clear to prevent congestion and also support safe crossing of the road. We also ask that you do not obstruct the properties of our neighbours.

   

  We will be closing the gate at the end of the school day to ensure the safety of our school community. If any parents or carers do not comply with our requests, we will work with Merseyside Police.

   

  Thank you for your understanding,

   

  Miss J A Withey

  Headteacher

   

  Steve Dixon

  Chair of governors Eastcroft Park Primary School

  Development Manager Kirkby Collaborative of Schools

  

• Knowsley cost of living drop-in

  Mon 14 Nov 2022 Mr Youngman

  If you or anyone you know is struggling with the cost of living then please attend the Knowsley cost of living drop-in to find out about the support package offered by the Labour led Knowsley council.

  

• Autumn/Winter Dinner menu

  Tue 11 Oct 2022 Mr Youngman

  Details of the new Autumn/Winter school dinner menu can be found on the school dinners page. This menu will start after half term (wc 31/10/22).

  

• Hot weather precautions

  Sun 17 Jul 2022 Mr Youngman

  In light of the weather warnings for extreme heat, please send your children into school in their PE kit or light clothing along with a hat, ensuring they have had sun cream applied and bring more with them. We will also be shortening breaktimes, using the air conditioning we have in school and ensuring that cold drinks are available all day. 

   

  Thanks

   

  Miss Withey

• Beware - Poppy Playtime

  Wed 06 Apr 2022 Mr Youngman

  We have become aware of a game called 'Poppy Playtime' containing a character called Huggy Wuggy that we have heard many children discussing. Poppy Playtime features frightening images and themes that are paired with child-friendly items such as cute looking, loveable characters. This may be especially upsetting to children who have not yet developed the resilience to deal with disturbing content. Parents need to be aware of this content and steer younger children away from this if possible. Further details can be found on our e-safety for parents page.

  

• New school dinner menu

  Tue 05 Apr 2022 Mr Youngman

  Details of the new school dinner menu for Spring/Summer can be found on the 'School Dinners' page.