Strep A: Major outbreak closes Kingsbridge school

A primary school has closed because of a major outbreak of strep A affecting staff and pupils.

Kingsbridge Community Primary School in Devon has written to parents saying "we are currently experiencing a major outbreak of strep A and, therefore, we must act in a way that protects our school community."

The letter added that 40% of children and 23% of staff are absent on Tuesday.

The school intends to reopen on Wednesday after a deep clean.

It said it had taken advice from the NHS.

The letter, from the school added it had been a "very difficult and disappointing decision to have to make".

Assistant head Miranda Martyn said: "We are working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which is advising us on a most appropriate course of action.

"We have about 40% of our children unwell and off school at the moment, and therefore we are taking this opportunity to close the school today for a deep clean, and intend to reopen again tomorrow."

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, said: "We're aware that a number of pupils and staff are off with illnesses currently.

"The UKHSA is in touch with the school regarding public health advice for students and staff."

He advised "basic good hand and respiratory hygiene measures" was the best way of reducing the risk of spreading the infection.

Prof Dominic Mellon, deputy director of UKHSA South West, said they were aware of the school's "high rate of absence" and closure due to staffing levels and to enable a deep clean.

He said they were in contact with the school to offer advice in "controlling the situation" and investigate the cause of the illnesses circulating.

Kimberley Pollard whose son Malachi is a pupil, received the email this morning and said "the school has made the right decision".

She said: "It's been brewing. Yesterday we had an email saying that due to 90 plus absences the school performances all have to be cancelled.

"We were meant to be going to watch his first ever performance so it was very disappointing but the lovely team... sent us all video of the children performing at school."

Parents also received a letter from head teacher Tina Graham outlining the different illnesses caused by strep A.

These are scarlet fever, which should be treated with antibiotics, strep throat and the skin condition impetigo.

Parents who think their child has one of these infections, the letter advised, should keep their children at home and call NHS 111 or see a GP.

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