Dear Families

We wanted to let you know that a pupil found a tick attached to their arm after outdoor activities in our school field. Ticks are small, spider-like creatures found in grassy and wooded areas. While tick bites are usually harmless, they can sometimes carry diseases such as Lyme disease.

To help keep your child safe, we ask that you:

Check your child for ticks: After your child has been playing outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas, please check their skin (particularly behind the knees, around the waist, under the arms, and in the hairline) for ticks.

What to do if you find a tick:

• Remove the tick as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers.
• Grasp the tick as close to the skin as you can and pull upwards steadily and firmly—don’t twist or crush the tick.
• After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or an antiseptic.
• Monitor the bite site: Over the next few weeks, watch for symptoms such as a rash (especially a circular or bulls-eye rash), fever, or flu-like symptoms. If you notice any of these, contact your GP promptly and let them know your child has had a tick bite.

For more information, see the NHS guidance on tick bites.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office.

Thank you for your support in helping us keep all children healthy and safe.

Very best wishes,

Caroline