Strep A Guidance for Schools Following concerns about the increase in Strep A infections, we’ve put together some guidance for members working in schools. Last updated: 14 December 2022 What is Strep A? Strep A is a bacterial infection, and while mostly mild and easily treated with antibiotics, some infections are more serious. Please consult the NHS Strep A guidance page if you think that you or someone else is unwell. Common symptoms include: flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, swollen glands or an aching body sore throat (strep throat or tonsillitis) a rash that feels rough, like sandpaper (scarlet fever) scabs and sores (impetigo) pain and swelling (cellulitis) severe muscle aches nausea and vomiting Precautions against Strep A As well as the NHS guidance, please refer to the Department for Education’s advice for parents, schools, colleges and Early Years providers. In general, we advise that Covid-type precautions be taken, such as: Wearing masks, particularly medical grade ones e.g. FFP2/3 face masks Maintaining distancing Good hand hygiene, with regular washing Including Strep A in Risk Assessments For further guidance on precautions, see our Covid health and safety guidance. We suggest that musicians who are teaching ask schools and employers for their policies, and contact their Regional Office if there are any concerns. Some members may prefer to finish their teaching for this year if they have option, or move their teaching online. There is likely to be a clearer picture in January 2023. Risk Assessments to include Strep A Risk Assessments should be in place and should include Strep A – if you are working in a school, college or other setting you should be provided with one. If you are self-employed and/or teaching privately you should complete your own Risk Assessment. You can refer to our Covid Risk Assessment guidance and templates. If you are an MU member and you have concerns about a Risk Assessment contact your Regional Office. Strep A advice in Wales Please refer to the NHS Wales guidance You can read the Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan’s written statement regarding the Strep A cases, which outlines guidance and information specific to Wales. You can also find up-to-date information and advice on streptococcal A infections at 111.wales.nhs.uk Strep A advice in Scotland Please see Public Health Scotland's blog for more information, and the NHS Inform guidance on Strep A. Strep A advice in Northern Ireland Please refer to the Public Health Agency’s Scarlet fever guidance page, and their statement about group A strep infections. Member services for teaching musicians Enhanced DBS Checks at a Reduced Cost MU members in England and Wales can apply for an Enhanced DBS Check, simplifying and speeding up the process Read more about Enhanced DBS Checks at a Reduced Cost £1m Professional Indemnity Insurance Protect yourself against unexpected claims such as negligence allegation while working as a music teacher Read more about £1m Professional Indemnity Insurance Receive £10m in Public Liability Insurance Reduce your public liability covering injury and damage - an essential for musicians who perform in public spaces Read more about Receive £10m in Public Liability Insurance Career Advice for Teaching Musicians Get industry expert guidance specifically for musicians who teach privately or in schools Read more about Career Advice for Teaching Musicians Become an MU Education Rep If you work as a music teacher, you can help us by becoming an Education Rep Read more about Become an MU Education Rep Reduced Rates with NEU, EIS or UCU Members of the NEU, EIS and UCU can access all MU benefits at more affordable rates Read more about Reduced Rates with NEU, EIS or UCU Get support as a music teacher through MU membership The MU has a strong community of teaching musicians, with over 13,500 members. We advise music teachers on specific topics, including pay and contractual issues. Through our resources and employment advice, we support and create careers in music teaching. Teaching resources for MU members Explore the MU's music teaching advice Access musician professional indemnity insurance Get discount on Enhanced DBS Checks Access our joint partnership offer with NEU, UCU and EIS Join our community of music teachers across the UK Join the MU now
Enhanced DBS Checks at a Reduced Cost MU members in England and Wales can apply for an Enhanced DBS Check, simplifying and speeding up the process Read more about Enhanced DBS Checks at a Reduced Cost
£1m Professional Indemnity Insurance Protect yourself against unexpected claims such as negligence allegation while working as a music teacher Read more about £1m Professional Indemnity Insurance
Receive £10m in Public Liability Insurance Reduce your public liability covering injury and damage - an essential for musicians who perform in public spaces Read more about Receive £10m in Public Liability Insurance
Career Advice for Teaching Musicians Get industry expert guidance specifically for musicians who teach privately or in schools Read more about Career Advice for Teaching Musicians
Become an MU Education Rep If you work as a music teacher, you can help us by becoming an Education Rep Read more about Become an MU Education Rep
Reduced Rates with NEU, EIS or UCU Members of the NEU, EIS and UCU can access all MU benefits at more affordable rates Read more about Reduced Rates with NEU, EIS or UCU