Sickness and Diarrhoea Bug

11th March 2024

Dear Parents/Carers,

URGENT NOTICE: Sickness and Diarrhoea Bug

I am writing to inform you of a recent occurrence of a sickness and diarrhoea bug (Norovirus) within our school community. It has come to our attention that a number of pupils have been affected by this illness, and we wanted to provide you with important information and recommendations to ensure the well-being of all students. 

In line with the guidance provided by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), we ask that parents keep their children at home for a minimum of 48 hours from the last bout of sickness or diarrhoea. This precautionary measure is crucial to prevent the further spread of the bug within our school and protect the health of our entire student body.

To combat the situation effectively, it is essential that we all practice good hygiene. The following advice from the UKHSA should be followed:

    1. Cleaning: Any surfaces, objects, or materials that may have come into contact with vomit or faeces must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, paying close attention to bathrooms, communal areas, and frequently touched surfaces such as door handles and light switches. This will help reduce the risk of transmission.

    2. Hand Hygiene: Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently using soap and water, especially before eating, after using the toilet, or after having contact with someone who is ill. Please note that hand sanitiser / gel does not kill norovirus.

    3. Personal Hygiene: Children should be reminded to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not their hands) when coughing or sneezing. Used tissues should be disposed of immediately and hands washed afterward.

    4. Shared Items: During this period, we will be ensuring that children do not share food, drinks, or personal items such as stationery, in order to minimize the risk of transmission.

We appreciate your understanding and support in adhering to these recommendations, as they are necessary to ensure the health and well-being of all students and staff. By taking these precautions, we can collectively reduce the spread of the sickness and diarrhoea bug and safeguard the overall safety of our school community.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school office. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

For more information on symptoms and management of diarrhoea and vomiting please see nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting

Yours sincerely,
Sarah Pickering
Headteacher