Useful Links
If you are a parent or carer, we hope that you will find the many web links below useful.
National Measles Incident
The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has declared a national incident following Measles outbreaks in London and West Midlands. The best protection against measles for children and adults is to get both doses of the MMR vaccine.
In response to this we would like to share with you the advice from UKHSA currently:
Measles is a highly infectious, serious illness that can be very unpleasant. Those most at risk are under 1’s, the unvaccinated, immuno-compromised or pregnant woman. There is no specific treatment available, so it is important to get vaccinated to avoid serious illness.
If you and your child have been vaccinated, it’s very unlikely you will catch Measles.
Symptoms of Measles
- Usually starts with cold-like symptoms
- High fever
- Sore red watery eyes
- Cough and/or runny nose
Small red spots with bluish-white centres inside the mouth
- A red/brown blotchy rash which appears several days later, rough to the touch.
You should keep your child away from school for at least 4 days from when the rash first appeared and until they are completely recovered.
Keep your child away from babies, anyone who is pregnant and those with a weakened immune system.
‘THINK’ Measles
If you think your child has measles or has been in contact in the last 3 weeks with someone with a confirmed case of measles, then please stay at home and call your GP surgery.
- DO NOT bring your child to school or nursery.
- DO NOT visit the GP surgery/ out of hours, or Hospital.
- CALL ahead to the GP surgery so measures can be put in place for your arrival.
Children in school who are suspected of having measles will be isolated and parents will be asked to collect promptly.
Vaccination
If you are unsure about whether your child is due a vaccine or has missed a vaccination you can check your vaccination status by calling your GP surgery or checking your ‘red book’. If your child has missed one of their MMR’s call your GP surgery and book an appointment.
The MMR schedule is usually 1 vaccine at 12 months old and a 2nd vaccine at pre-school, around 3 years and 4 months. For adults it’s never too late to get vaccinated. Adults require 2 vaccines at 4 weeks apart.
You can request a version of the MMR vaccine that does not contain pork products from your GP surgery, making it suitable for all faiths. Please note that the GP practice may need to order this product in specially, so it will be helpful to tell the GP surgery before the appointment.
MMR vaccine is not advised during pregnancy, those women of childbearing age should avoid getting pregnant for at least 4 weeks following vaccination.
Pregnant women are advised to contact their midwife/GP surgery if they believe they have come into contact with Measles. Pregnant women who suspect they might have Measles should not go to antenatal clinic or any other maternity setting until they have been assessed.
The information provided by UKHSA, should provide clarity and reassurance. We ask that you remain vigilant over the half term holiday and if you are in any doubt about sending your child into school unwell, we would appreciate you considering keeping them at home.
Please follow the links below for further information and guidance:
Let's get better prepared for winter - NHS Guidance
The National Sleep Helpline
Is my child too ill for school? NHS Guidance
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/
Mental Health and Wellbeing support
Below is a list of websites that offer support and advice for families supporting young people with their mental health and wellbeing.
Parents Mental Health Support | Advice for Your Child | YoungMinds
Advice for parents - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Advice for parents and guardians - Mental Health UK (mentalhealth-uk.org)
Mental health advice for parents - how to support your child - BBC Bitesize
If you require any further support or advice, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Pool.
Careers Advice and College Information
Please see the curriculum pages for support and guidance for your child's post-16 education. Your child's key tutor or careers teacher will also be available to give support and advice in your weekly phone calls.
Safeguarding Links
Community Links
Warm & Well Leaflet
Coping with self harm - A Guide for Parents and Carers
https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/b5791d_7d13f090db464315b2f76a6f614cfffb.pdf
A Parents Guide to Depression
https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/b5791d_ce3f739d96654cc8859a09d9a12d3720.pdf
Mental Health Awareness
Please find links below to a selection of resources and websites that you may find useful:
https://literacytrust.org.uk/family-zone/ (then has links to https://literacytrust.org.uk/family-zone/zone-in/ for age 13 yrs upwards)
https://www.thegoto.org.uk/ For healthy minds in North Yorkshire
and Mental health foundation (info for young people and parents/carers on a range of issues linked to mental health and Covid19)
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week
YOU MAY ALSO FIND THE POSITIVE AFFIRMATION BELOW USEFUL:
"I DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE THINGS I CAN'T CONTROL" 
National Learning Resources for Students
Please find below a number of links to learning resources for students and parents
BBC Bitesize
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
Information from the Department for Education - guidance and support for parents and carers of children who are learning at home
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/supporting-your-childrens-education-during-coronavirus-covid-19
The Oak National Academy - (A national online learning classroom).
Agencies
Parent Support Advisory Service
Student Reviews
As a parent or carer you will be invited to participate in a review every half term. Please use the link provided on review day to complete the Parent/Carer survey.