What's Cooking?

Team Aire have been in Cook School this week making some more delicious sandwiches!  They also enjoyed listening to 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea' whilst eating their amazing sandwiches.  

We have also started to celebrate the Chinese New Year this week.  Jonah and Esme both enjoyed visiting Cook School to make some delicious noodles which they ate whilst listening to the story of I'm going on a Dragon Hunt.  They also helped to make a Chinese lantern.

Next week, Team Swale will join me in Cook School to continue our celebrations for the Chinese New Year.

Louise Soper

Cook School Lead

What to do if you think your child has measles and when to keep them off school

Cases of measles are rising across England, including among children. It’s an infection that spreads very easily and for some people can cause serious problems.There’s no specific medical treatment for measles, so it’s important to get vaccinated as it’s the best protection against becoming seriously unwell.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is one of the routine childhood vaccinations, so most children are already vaccinated against measles. If your child has received both doses of the vaccine, they are unlikely to have the virus.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later.

Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. Find out more on the NHS website.

What should you do if you think your child has measles? 

You should ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you think you or your child may have measles.

Don’t go to the GP or any other healthcare setting without calling ahead first.

If your child has been diagnosed with measles by a doctor, they should stay off nursery or school for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears.

They should also avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system.

What is the best way to protect against measles?

The best protection against measles for children and adults is to get both doses of the MMR vaccine.

Children are offered a vaccine free on the NHS at 12-months-old and then a second dose when they turn 3-years-and-4-months-old.

But you can catch up at any age – if you or your child haven’t yet been vaccinated, you should contact your GP practice to book a free appointment.

You can request a version of the MMR vaccine that does not contain pork products from your GP, making it suitable for all faiths. Please note that the practice may need to order this product in specially, so it will be helpful to tell them your views before the appointment.

Cold-like symptoms can be an early sign of measles. Should you still send your child to school?

If your child has been vaccinated, it’s very unlikely that they have measles

School attendance is vitally important to your child’s learning and health.

According to the NHS, it’s fine to send your child to school with a minor cough or common cold, provided they don’t have a temperature.

The NHS also has the following advice for parents on measles:

• Measles - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

  9th February - Open Doors:  Chinese New Year - Doors open at 2pm

12th February - Half Term

19th February - Term Starts

7th March - World Book Day