Dear parent/carer,

Please see the below message from Dudley Council Health Protection Team:

You may have seen recent media reports of rising measles cases across the West Midlands and the Black Country. The most effective way to prevent measles infection, and the possible serious complications it can cause, is by having 2 doses of MMR vaccine. 2 doses of MMR provide 99% protection against measles that is lifelong. It also protects against mumps and rubella. It is safe and effective, and a porcine gelatine free vaccine is available, if this is preferred.

The rise in measles cases is due to declining childhood immunisation rates, including the MMR, nationally over the past 10 years. The higher the immunisation rates, the less opportunity there is for measles infection to circulate, which helps to protect those who are vulnerable due to being unable to receive MMR vaccination (including babies under 1 year old, pregnant women if unvaccinated, and the severely immunocompromised).

It is not too late for children and adults to catch up on the MMR vaccine if they haven’t received 2 doses at the recommended ages of 1 year (1^st dose) and 3 years and 4 months (2^nd dose). Your GP surgery can be contacted to arrange an appointment. If you are unsure whether your child is immunised with 2 doses of MMR vaccine, you can check their ‘red book’, which is their personal health record. Children who have not had any MMR vaccines may have to stay away from school for up to 21 days if they are identified as a close contact of a confirmed measles case.

Please see the NHS webpages on measles and MMR vaccine for more information, and the below link for local pop-up vaccination clinics for MMR:

https://blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/health-advice/measles#clinic

Parents/Carers,

We are delighted to announce that, this year, we will again be participating in Children’s Mental Health Week. This will take place from 5^th- 8^th February and is in association with the mental health charity ‘Place To Be’.

The theme for this year is ‘My voice matters’ and is about empowering children and young people by providing them with the tools they need to express themselves. When we feel empowered, this can have a positive impact on our wellbeing. Children and young people who feel that their voices are heard and can make a difference have a greater sense of community and self-esteem. This year, we want children of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to be empowered to work together to create a positive change for their mental health and wellbeing.

During the week, all pupils across school will be discussing ways - and thinking about strategies -to support mental health, whilst also participating in activities that will allow them to express themselves. As always, we recognise the important role parents and carers play in the mental wellbeing of our children; therefore, we want to provide our pupils with the opportunity to take part in an activity within school with a member of their family.

On Tuesday 6^th February, it is also ‘Safer Internet Day’ - throughout the day we will be promoting the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people. We will also be making links between the use of technology and our own mental health, focussing in particular on how to better-protect ourselves within the digital world.

We would ideally love to see as many parents in school as possible. However, due to the majority of the lessons taking place within the school hall, and in order to comply with relevant Health & Safety and Fire Regulations, we are only able to offer one parent/carer place per child for the activities within school. If you are not able to attend due to other commitments, then a grandparent or other family member may attend in your place. We are unfortunately not able to accommodate any younger siblings.  

All sessions in school will involve parental participation, with the primary aim being for you to you and your child to express themselves– and have some fun together! School will provide all resources needed for the activity.

We will also be encouraging pupils to ‘express themselves’ by allowing them to come into school in mufti on the day of their parent session.

Please see the timetable below for all sessions

Timetable for Parent Sessions

Monday 5th February	Phase Trust Workshop for year 5 and 6 pupils	Pupils only
Monday 5th February	Year 4 parent session 2pm-3pm	One parent per child. Please come to the main entrance where you will be asked to sign in. We cannot accommodate younger siblings.
Tuesday 6th February	Year 3 parent session 1pm-2pm	One parent per child. Please come to the main entrance where you will be asked to sign in. We cannot accommodate younger siblings.
Tuesday 6th February	Year 2 parent session- 2.15pm-3.15pm	One parent per child. Please come to the main entrance where you will be asked to sign in. We cannot accommodate younger siblings.
Wednesday 7th February	Year 5 parent session 9.15am-10.15am	One parent per child. Please come to the main entrance where you will be asked to sign in. We cannot accommodate younger siblings.
Wednesday 7th February	Year 1 parent session 2pm-3pm	One parent per child. Please come to the main entrance where you will be asked to sign in. We cannot accommodate younger siblings.
Thursday 8th February	Reception parent session 9.15am-10.15am	One parent per child. Please come to the main entrance where you will be asked to sign in. We cannot accommodate younger siblings.
Thursday 8th February	Year 6 parent session      2pm-3pm	One parent per child. Please come to the main entrance where you will be asked to sign in. We cannot accommodate younger siblings
Friday 9th February	INSET DAY

In addition to the parent sessions, we have organised Phase Trust Mentoring Service to come into school and lead a workshop for Year 5 and Year 6, with regard to mental health and self-care. This was very successful last year and we are delighted to be offered it again this year. This is in addition to the Parent Session, so will be held in school with school staff only.

Finally, year 5 and 6 pupils will be participating in ‘Withymoor’s Got Talent’ during this week. I have spoken to all pupils in upper key stage two, and some children have already expressed an interest in showcasing a talent to the rest of key stage 2. Further information will be sent to pupils in year 5 and 6 only.

If you have any questions, then please do not hesitate to contact us. We really look forward to working with you during this unique week.

Regards

Lara Billingham

Assistant Headteacher- SENCO/Inclusion/Senior Mental Health Lead

Parents and carers in the Black Country are being reminded to get their children vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Measles is a highly infectious disease which can lead to serious complications if it is not treated. In the most severe cases, it can develop into more threatening conditions such as severe lung infections , especially in those with a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of measles include:

•a high fever

•rash

•cough

•runny nose

•watery eyes.

All children are invited for their first MMR vaccine on the NHS when they turn one. The second dose is given when they reach three years and four months of age. Having two doses of the vaccine provides the best protection against MMR.

Parents who are unsure if their child is up to date with all their routine vaccinations should check their child’s Red Book (personal child health record), the NHS App, or contact their GP practice.

Adults and older children can also be vaccinated at any age if they have not been fully vaccinated before and are being encouraged to come forward if they haven’t had two doses.

For more information on the MMR vaccine, visit the NHS website

Year 4 had a fabulous time with the Animal Man yesterday. Here are a few photographs from the day.  Please check your child’s class dojo story for more!