Hartley Primary Academy Newsletter

PTA Autumn Disco - Friday 10th November

In preparation for the Christmas Fair the PTA are asking that all children bring in an item that can be added to a year-group Christmas Hamper. The hampers will become raffle prizes at the Chirstmas Fair on Saturday 9th December. Hamper items can be anything you would wish to find in a Christams hamper, e.g. mince pies, christmas pud, chutney, shortbread, crackers, chocolates, wine, etc. It might be a good idea to work together as year groups to make sure the hampers aren't filled with sixty of the same thing! If you could use your year group WhatsApp groups to co-ordinate who is bringing what, that would be very helpful!

On the day of the Autumn Disco, as a reward for bringing in hampers items, children may come to school in non-uniform (all ready for the disco if they are going) or they may choose to wear a Halloween outfit if they wish. Children must not wear masks or anything scary though. Please remember all children need to be in sensible footwear and be in clothing that is warm enough for when they are out at playtime. Year groups who have PE will still need to wear their trainers please and please be mindful of making sure whatever they are wearing is safe for them to exercise in.

Signs and Symptoms of Scarlet Fever

We have had a couple of cases of SF in school recently - not in the same classes or even year groups so it does not constitute an outbreak. However, we thought it would be worth sharing some information about Scarlet Fever so that you can identify it quickly should your child get infected.

• Scarlet fever is a common childhood infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or Group A Streptococcus (GAS). 

• It is not usually serious but should be treated with antibiotics. The early symptoms of scarlet fever include sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. After 12 to 48 hours, the characteristic red, pinhead rash develops, typically first appearing on the chest and stomach, then rapidly spreading to other parts of the body, and giving the skin a sandpaper-like texture. The scarlet rash may be harder to spot on darker skin, although the 'sandpaper' feel should be present.

• Children and adults with suspected scarlet fever should be excluded from nursery/school/work until 24 hours after the commencement of appropriate antibiotic treatment.

• Contacts of Scarlet Fever cases (including siblings or household members) who are well and do not have symptoms do not require antibiotics and can continue to attend the setting. They should seek treatment if they develop symptoms.

• There is no increased risk of complications for pregnant women but if you are concerned, please discuss with your midwife.

NHS 75th Anniversary

Hartley Primary fully embraced the NHS 75th July event and raised an incredible £3,128.01 for Darent Valley's Lollipop Children’s Fund . The children had a wonderful day undertaking a range of activities based on the number 75 from taking penalties, to dancing, to table tennis!

Some of our School Council members made the presentation to Sarah Buchan-Tigere, Matron Children and Young Peoples Services who thanked the children for their incredible donation. Valley Hospital Charities own Mark and mascot Dave added their thanks on behalf of the charity and invited the School to view their name on the Lollipop £1000 Wall of Fame donation board. Staff from Willow Ward then joined to express their gratitude and have pictures taken