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SEND News

Issue 67 - 14 December

SEND News and Update

Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin.  This week includes information on

  • Scarlet Fever and Invasive Group A streptococcus (GAS)

  • Bedfordshire and Luton Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Update
  • New Parents/Carers and Professionals Zones on the Local Offer
  • Free holiday fun this winter

  • What's On
  • Children's Centres SEND Support Coffee Mornings

Scarlet Fever and Invasive Group A streptococcus (GAS)

GAS

There are lots of viruses that cause sore throats, colds and coughs circulating this winter. These should resolve without medical intervention.  However, children can on occasion develop a bacterial infection on top of a virus and that can make them more unwell.

As a parent or carer, if your child seems seriously unwell you should trust your own judgment. Contact NHS 111 or your GP, if you are concerned. Especially if they are getting worse or they are eating/feeding much less than normal.

What is group A strep (GAS)?

Group A strep (GAS) is a common bacteria which causes a range of infections including scarlet fever. These infections are usually mild. It can also cause a rare, more serious infection called invasive group A strep (iGAS). This occurs when GAS bacteria gets into parts of the body where is causes serious disease, like the lungs or bloodstream.

What is scarlet fever?

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported that scarlet fever cases are higher than we would typically see at this time of year. Scarlet fever is caused by the bacteria group A strep. It is a contagious infection that mostly affects young children. It is easily treated with antibiotics.

Read more 

Symptoms and signs

The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms including

  • high temperature
  • a sore throat
  • and swollen neck glands (a large lump on the side of your neck).

A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later. It looks like small, raised bumps and starts on the chest and tummy, then spreads. The rash makes your skin feel rough, like sandpaper.

On white skin the rash looks pink or red. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin, but you can still feel it.

The rash does not appear on the face, but cheeks can look red. The redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

A white coating also appears on the tongue. This peels, leaving the tongue red, swollen and covered in little bumps (called “strawberry tongue”).

Contact a GP or call 111 if your child:

  • has scarlet fever symptoms
  • does not get better in a week (after seeing a GP)
  • has scarlet fever and chickenpox at the same time
  • is ill again, weeks after scarlet fever got better – this can be a sign of a complication, such as rheumatic fever
  • is feeling unwell and has been in contact with someone who has scarlet fever

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

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

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

Bedfordshire and Luton Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Update

Read Bedfordshire and Luton Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Update


New Parents/Carers and Professionals Zones on the Local Offer

In response to feedback from the SNAP PCF Parent/Carer Survey we have recently updated the Local Offer with a Parent/Carer Zone.  This has information on:

  • Training Courses and Workshops
  • Wellbeing support 
  • Children's Centres SEND Stay and Play 

We have also added a Professionals Zone with information on:

  • Training Courses and Workshops
  • Outreach Training and Support Services
  • EHCP and Annual Review paperwork
  • Toolkits and Resources 

Free holiday fun this winter

haf

More information


What's on Calendar

In response to feedback from the SNAP PCF Parent/Carer Survey we have updated our What's on Calendar on the Local Offer.   Now you will be able to click on a date and a list of events that are happening that day will appear on the right hand side. Just click on the event that you are interested in to read more information about it.   So check it out and let us know what you think by emailing local.offer@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk 

What's On Calendar 


Children's Centres SEND Support Coffee Mornings

Leighton Buzzard Mencap Opportunity Group
Thursdays 10 – 11:30 (Termtime only) 

Casual chat & play session for parents, carers & their children who have additional needs. Support for parents, carers & their children who have additional needs.
Ring 0300 300 8880 to book on.

SEND Stay and Play
Every Wednesday from 10:00 – 11:0
0 am
Dunstable Children’s Centre

If you would like to book a space please call 0300 300 8106/0300 300 8104

SEND Support coffee afternoon every second Monday of the month,
1:30 – 2:3
0 pm
Shefford and Stotfold Children’s Centre

If you would like to book a space please call 0300 300 8112

SEND Support coffee afternoon every 4th Thursday of the month,
1:30 – 2:30 am
Flitwick Children’s Centre 

If you would like to book a space please call 0300 300 8111

SEND Coffee morning, Stay and Play every first and third Friday of the month,
10:30 – 11:30 am
Houghton Regis Children’s Centre 

If you would like to book a space please call 0300 300 8115

Support group for parents or carers with children who have SEND
Biggleswade Youth Centre - every other Wednesday, 1:30 – 2:30 pm

Fortnightly catch ups and support online and face-to-face.  A chance to speak to professionals from the CDC, Early Years Support Team, Speech and Language plus more.

To book a free place contact Karen on 0300 300 6009 or email karen.burton@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk


Please visit the Local Offer for more information on activities, services, advice and support across Central Bedfordshire for children and young people with SEND or follow us on Facebook

We hope you have found the information in the bulletin helpful. We would love to hear your feedback and what you would like to see in future editions.  Please let us know by emailing send.feedback@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk


Do you provide a service or run events for children and young people with SEND and their families?

We would like to offer providers the opportunity to advertise local SEND services and events in our fortnightly SEND news bulletin, on our local offer Facebook page and to be included in the local offer What's On page.

If you would like to be featured then please email details about your service and/or event to local.offer@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk


Cost of living information on our website