Dixons Academy Trust statement on Step A situation

Cases of the viral infection have been on the rise in the past week or so, with at least eight deaths now linked to Group A Streptococcus.

It is a common bacteria - also known as scarlet fever or "GAS" - that is often found in people’s throats and skin meaning many may carry it without displaying any symptoms.

But it can cause both mild and more serious infections – from a sore throat and headache to a body rash.

St Pauls CE Primary School, in St Paul’s Avenue, Wibsey confirmed in a letter sent to parents and guardians on Tuesday that there were cases of Strep A at the setting.

Meanwhile, Dixons Academy Trust – which runs nine schools and a standalone sixth form in Bradford - said it is in conversation with families about the rise in cases of the viral infection and is keeping an eye on things across all its schools.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “We have communicated with families about the rise in Strep A and provided some guidance and are continuing to monitor the situation in all of our academies.”

The Beckfoot Trust – which runs 10 schools and a sixth form in the city – said there are no known cases across its settings currently.

Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT) runs 18 education settings in total, which are mainly primary schools but also includes Immanuel College, in Leeds Road, Idle.

But the trust refused to provide a comment on the Strep A situation when the Telegraph & Argus approached them.

Schools right across the city and wider district have been sending out letters to parents and guardians and posting on their various social media channels to keep them informed on an evolving scenario and provide advice.

Bowling Park Primary School, in New Cross Street provided a link to a Government webpage for Strep A in a tweet on Monday.

The school said: “These are serious but very rare diseases, which have been in the news over the past week.

“The following government guidance provides useful information on what to look out for.”