AN outbreak of gastroenteritis and scarlet fever has forced a primary school in Worcestershire to partially close.

Four year groups at Great Malvern Primary School, in Lydes Road in Malvern, have been shut since Wednesday with children in reception to year three expected to remain at home tomorrow (Friday).

A high number of pupils and staff are affected by an outbreak of gastroenteritis and scarlet fever.

The school announced yesterday (Wednesday) that it would be partially closing after a sudden health outbreak.

The school decided to send the four year groups home after receiving support from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Parents were advised to collect their children in the year groups at the school as soon as possible.

The UKHSA is overseeing the incident.

According to gov.uk, Great Malvern Primary School has 361 pupils aged from three to 11 and is part of the Mercian Educational Trust.

Advice for all outbreaks

Advice and recommendations on how to manage outbreaks can be accessed from the UKHSA website.

Many infectious diseases can be managed by reinforcing the measures recommended in preventing and controlling infections.

This can be done by:

  • encouraging all people who are unwell not to attend the setting or remain separate from others, wherever possible
  • ensuring all eligible groups are enabled and supported to take up the offer of immunisation programmes including coronavirus (COVID-19) and flu
  • ensuring occupied spaces are well ventilated and let fresh air in
  • reinforcing good hygiene practices such as frequent cleaning and hand hygiene
  • requesting that parents, carers or students inform the setting of a diagnosis of any infectious disease

During an outbreak or incident, when there are either several cases, or indications of more serious disease, additional measures may be required.

These could include:

  • considering communications to raise awareness among parents or carers and students (ensuring this is accessible for those who speak other languages or with lower levels of literacy)
  • reinforcing key messages amongst children and young people, including the importance of hand and respiratory hygiene measures using materials such as the e-Bug resources
  • discussing with health visitors (childcare settings), school nurses (all schools) or student health services (higher education settings) about the support they can offer, particularly where a child or young person may face barriers to accessing health care

When people should stay away from the setting

People who show any form of symptoms of an infectious disease or have been diagnosed by a health professional or diagnostic test could be advised to stay away from their setting for the minimum period recommended, if required, and until well enough.