St Osmund and St Andrew’s Primary School in Breightmet, has implemented the measures which has resulted in Easter celebrations and parents evening being cancelled following cases of Strep A infection.

A letter was sent out to parents at the school on Wednesday, March 18, explaining the change.

The letter states the “temporary” change to school activities follows a “small number of Group A Strep infections within the school” and are as a result of guidance from the community infection control team.

It adds that “all large-scale events”, including school assemblies, Mass and their Easter production are “postponed or cancelled”, with parents evening, after school clubs and other functions also being affected.

During break and lunch, children are remaining “within their own class groups” to prevent them mixing with other age groups or classes.

Children will still have access to outdoor space and fresh air, but they will not be able to mix with children from other year groups or classes at this time.

St Osmunds and St Andrews Primary School (Image: SS Osmund and St Andrew’s R C Primary School)

Speaking to The Bolton News, headteacher James Graves said: “The decision to cancel upcoming events has been made in line with advice from the Community Infection Prevention and Control Team, who have recommended avoiding group gatherings until after the Easter period to help limit the spread of Strep A.

“As a school, our priority is the health and wellbeing of our children, families and staff, and we are taking these precautionary steps to help ensure that everyone remains as well as possible over the Easter holidays.

“We have received positive feedback from parents, who have expressed their support for the school in adhering to this guidance.”

The NHS says that Strep A is a common type of bacteria, with most infections being “mild and easily treated”, but with some being “more serious”.

It advises parents to get an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if their child is: unwell and getting worse or not improving, feeding or eating much less than normal, a very high or low temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch and more.

For more details, see their website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/strep-a/

A Bolton Council spokesperson said: “Infections do arise from time to time in educational settings, and schools are supported to respond using standard infection prevention and control measures.”