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The local Public Health team has informed us that there has been a recent increase in the number of cases of Measles in Hillingdon. The cases all children aged 1 to 16, and all are unvaccinated.

The current MMR vaccination uptake in Hillingdon is less than 75%, which means that 1 in every 4 children in the borough has not had the two doses of MMR vaccination that provides safe, effective protection against measles. There is variation in uptake across areas of the borough, which means that is some areas a greater number of children have not been vaccinated. This increases the risk of measles transmission in schools.

Measles is a highly infectious respiratory virus that transmits through respiratory droplets from an infected person when they cough and sneeze which is then inhaled by another person. If that person is not fully vaccinated the risk of getting measles is high.

The signs and symptoms of measles to be aware of are:

• Cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough
• Sore red eyes that may be sensitive to light
• A high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40°C
• Small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks
• A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear, usually starting on the head or upper neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body.

It is important that if a child is suspected of having measles, they do not attend school. They must telephone their GP or NHS 111. Measles is a notifiable disease which means all cases must be followed up, and contacts identified and given advice on what action they need to take.

For more information contact your GP or an visit the NHS information website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/

In celebrating National Careers Week 6th -12th March, the amazing pupils at Brookside Primary were given the opportunity to explore both theoretically and practically, the career paths they aspire to work in the future. Under the theme, ‘Careers Aspiration: My Hopes and Dreams’, pupils listened to engaging guest presenters and went on exciting excursions that stimulated their interests whilst exposing them to jobs in their chosen fields. The week was planned with the aims of allowing pupils to begin to think about making decisions about life, motivating them to work towards achieving their goals and improving their general well- being. All of these objectives were met and the young career professionals had a blast!

What a fantastic day! Author Patrice Lawrence entertained pupils with her own stories and an interactive presentation on ‘How to create a monster’. The pupils were inspired by her animation and creativity. She answered each and every question, signed autographs and gave tips to our budding authors. We have had so much positive feedback from children and know for a fact that these will be life-long memories. Patrice’s visit was a huge success and definitely promoted both reading for pleasure and inspired writing. We cannot wait to organise a return visit!

At Brookside primary, during mental health week 6th10th March, the children enjoyed a series of activities which included: 20-minute extra play, various arts and crafts activities, physical activities which all allow them to connect with each other. To culminate the week’s events, the children wore a scarf to school in Recognition of children’s mental health. Additionally, they were entertained by a mini concert where the teachers performed for them. The children enjoyed the week and went for their half term break in good spirit.

We were very impressed by the second staging of our ‘Stay and Read’ workshop. Parents, guardians and
carers read with their child and were given tips on how to encourage reading at home. Parents were also given information on how to help their child improve on their reading comprehension. We look forward to more collaboration.