Ellie's babysitting Solihull

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Oh my gosh 😲❤️

Welcome home little man

A Day in the Life of a Child With Sensory Processing Issues

Interesting read

understood.org

Birmingham Live

Not sure if true or not but parents please be aware

Concerning, have you come across this?

Birmingham Live

It can be so tempting to share your wonderful kids with the world. But...

Solihull Updates

Heads up to all the families I sit for x

There have been nearly 700 cases of scarlet fever reported in the West Midlands in the first three months of the year, with more than 80 cases in the last week alone.

From the start of the year up to April 1, 667 suspected cases of scarlet fever were reported to Public Health England (PHE) in the West Midlands met area.

The number of reports is up from 480 cases reported in the same 13 weeks in 2017, and compares to 428 cases reported in 2016 and 318 in 2015.

The number of cases appears to still be growing, with 84 cases in the week to April 1, the highest number of any week in 2018 so far, up from 45 cases in the week ending March 25.

Birmingham saw the highest number of reports in the first 13 weeks of the year, with 295, up from 183 in the same period in 2017.

It was followed by Wolverhampton with 92 cases, up from 57, with 79 cases in Walsall, 55 in Coventry, 51 in Sandwell, 48 in Solihull, and 47 in Dudley.

In the 13 weeks ending April 1, 15,549 suspected cases of scarlet fever were reported to Public Health England (PHE) across England and Wales.

The number of reports is much higher than over the same period in the previous eight years. There were 7,050 cases reported in 2017, as well as 8,360 in 2016, and 1,016 in 2011.

Earlier in February, Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “Scarlet Fever is a bacterial infection that usually presents with a sore throat, fever, headaches, and a rosy rash that generally starts on a patient’s chest.

“It is very contagious disease and much more common in children under 10 than teenagers or adults, but it can be treated quickly and effectively with a full course of antibiotics and all GPs are trained to diagnose and treat it.

“Scarlet fever used to be a lot more common than it is now, but GPs are noticing more cases than in previous years at the moment. If a patient thinks that they, or their child, might have symptoms, they should seek medical assistance."

Scarlet fever is a very contagious, seasonal bacterial illness that mainly affects children and is not uncommon for this time of year.

The latest Health Protection Report showed 6,225 cases of scarlet fever had been reported since mid-September 2017, compared to 3,764 for the same period last season. There were 719 cases reported for the most recent week (22 to 28 January 2018).

This increasing trend is in line with usual patterns although cases are currently higher than those reported at this point in the last 4 seasons. It is not possible at this point to determine what the final numbers will be for this season.

Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness; PHE is advising parents to be on the lookout for scarlet fever symptoms, which include a sore throat, headache and fever with a characteristic fine, pinkish or red rash with a sandpapery feel. If signs of scarlet fever are suspected, it is important to contact your local GP or NHS 111.

Nick Phin, Deputy Director at Public Health England, said: “It’s not uncommon to see a rise in cases of scarlet fever at this time of year. Scarlet fever is not usually a serious illness and can be treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications and spread to others.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and remind parents to be aware of the symptoms of scarlet fever and to contact their GP for assessment if they think their child might have it.

“Whilst there has been a notable increase in scarlet fever cases when compared to last season, greater awareness and improved reporting practices may have contributed to this increase.”

PHE is also urging GPs, paediatricians, and other health practitioners to be mindful when assessing patients and promptly notify local health protection teams of cases and outbreaks.

Birmingham Live

Wow. No thanks 😂😂

Work unsociable hours?

Solihull Updates

The number of children becoming infected with scarlet fever in the UK has hit levels not seen in decades.

The infection is caused by the streptococcus bacteria and tends to affect young children - although it can effect anyone.

It tends to cause sore throat and feverish symptoms, followed by a characteristic blotchy pink-red rash on the body.

Up until 2013, the NHS said cases were at a low of around three to eight cases per 100,000 people.

However, in 2014 this shot up to 27 per 100,000, reaching as high as 33 per 100,000 in 2016.

In 2016 there were over 19,000 reported cases the most since 1967. The figures for 2017 will be released later this year.

Dr Theresa Lamagni, head of streptococcal surveillance at Public Health England, said: "Whilst current rates are nowhere near those seen in the early 1900s, the magnitude of the recent upsurge is greater than any documented in the last century.

“We encourage parents to be aware of the symptoms of scarlet fever and to contact their GP if they think their child might have it."

While is not normally serious, it does require prompt treatment with antibiotics to reduce the risk of more serious complications.

It can take up to a week for the symptoms to appear after being infected. These usually manifest themselves as a sore throat, headache, swollen glands and a high temperature of 38.3C (101F) or above.

This is then followed by the well-known rash over the body and rash along with a white and red tongue.

It is usually around a week, with most cleared up before the end of seven days. There may be a few weeks of peeling skin after the infection has passed.

Scarlet fever is spread by coughs, sneezes and an infected person's breath and it is highly contagious.

Metro

Outbreaks of measles have spread nationwide.

Merry Christmas to all of the wonderful families I babysit for I hope you have all had a fantastic day. I can’t wait to see what 2018 brings and make sure you book me as far as advance as possible as I do get busy. 🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻

Birmingham Live

It has been a source of contention among parents for decades

Can I stress that this page is not for charities to ring me constantly and bug me for money. This is babysitting only. I give to the charities I want to give to. Thank you ❤️😌

Birmingham Live

Advice and official guidelines that every parent should read

Solihull Updates

A 'stranger danger' alert has been issued by a Solihull school after a student was allegedly approached by a couple who tried to entice him into their car.

The schoolboy was reportedly approached around 4pm on Monday by a couple in a black car.

Alderbrook School in Blossomfield Road, issued a statement on their website which said the child, from a nearby school, “ran away, was unharmed and made a report to the police”.

It is not known what road the incident happened on.

The headteacher of Alderbrook School issued the letter to parents to warn them ‘a student from a nearby secondary school’ had been approached by ‘a couple’.

The statement on the school’s website said: “Police have reported that a student from a nearby secondary school was approached around 4pm Monday 5/6/17 by a couple in a black car who tried to entice him in.

“The child ran away, was unharmed and made a report to the police.

"Please talk to your child about this and ask them to be alert when travelling to and from school.

“If they do encounter anything suspicious or that worries them, they should let you know at home or if travelling to school report it to their Pastoral Manager as soon as they arrive.

“If they are concerned at any point during their journey they should contact an appropriate adult or go to a place of safety and report it from there.”

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said they were not aware of the incident.

I am currently available for babysitting on weekdays at the moment in the day or evening, as well as weekends still too. 😊 message me for more details if this is something you may be needing. Thank you guys and have a great weekend 👍🏻👍🏻

Birmingham Live

Blessed relief for parents

Solihull Updates

So all of my lovely parents are aware

Mums and dads are being urged to watch out for signs of "slapped cheek" syndrome.

The condition, which has spread across swathes of the country, has seen children struck down and take time out of schools.

The contagious disease is especially worrying given its symptoms.

The signs and symptoms of the disease include children feeling unwell.

And, worryingly, they develop distinctive bright red rash on both cheeks, hence the name of the illness.

In the vast majority of cases, the child recovers with no long-term ill effects.

But the key symptoms to watch out for are -

A few days before the bright red cheeks develop, the child may have some of these symptoms:

* Slightly high temperature of around 38 degrees
* Runny nose
* Sore throat
* Headache
* Upset stomach
* Feeling generally unwell

The child is most contagious during this period, unfortunately this is before most parents realise that they have slapped cheek.

After a few days, the child will usually develop a bright red rash on both cheeks.

It can then spread to other parts of the body including the chest, stomach, arms and thighs. Once the rash has appeared, it is no longer contagious.

The rashes usually fade within one to two weeks.

NHS guidelines say you don't normally have to see your GP if your child has slapped cheek as it usually gets better on its own.

The advice is that they should have rest, plenty of fluids, paracetamol or ibuprofen and antihistamines or moisturiser if they are itching.

However, you do need to seek medical advice if you have symptoms of slapped cheek, or you have been exposed to anyone with slapped cheek - if you are pregnant, you have a weakened immune system or you have symptoms of severe anaemia, such as severe shortness of breath, extreme tiredness or fainting.

Slapped cheek syndrome is spread in the same way as colds – by coughs, sneezes or touching a contaminated surface or object.

The symptoms usually appear between four and 14 days after becoming infected.