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57
from the various classes of a single school); 30 were of type C (consisting of a single
class from one school, educated continuously at one open-air station); and 86 of
type D (consisting in a rotation of classes from one school occupying one open-air
station).
Nine classes are permanent, that is to say they are outside the yearly programme
and do not need re-authorisation each year. In addition, 81 of the 215
classes were continued throughout the winter, where the suitability of the sites had
been approved by the school medical officer. Of the 215 classes, 69 were held in
parks, gardens, playing-fields and other open sites, while 146 were held in school
playgrounds, of which 35 were roof-playgrounds.
Children in classes of the types A and B are kept under special observation by
the school doctors, and 51 detailed reports upon the results of these have been
received. The physical progress of the children is carefully watched, and regular
charting of height and weight is carried out. Perusal of the reports leaves no doubt
of the great benefit delicate or debilitated children derive from well organised openair
schooling.
Typical extracts from the reports follow:—
"The general improvement in tone, liveliness, colour and response of the children attending
the class is definitely noticeable."
"Several nervous children have improved; other children who were dull are more alert.
Parents who attended were all satisfied that the children had improved, and reported increased
appetite and better sleeping at night."
"There has been no case of infectious disease and very little absence on account of colds.
The children all like being in the class, and appear brighter and more mentally alert."
"Two children who were subject to frequent bronchitis are now in regular attendance and
the bronchitis has disappeared."
"All children reported by parents to have a better appetite, to be better in general health
and to sleep better."
Convalescence.
In addition to the provision for children at residential open-air schools, there is
now a large provision for convalescence in institutions of the Council's special
hospitals service.

* The total number of admissions is given as there is no separate convalescent unit. All cases sent
require medical and nursing attention.
† Admission is from special hospitals only; the number of children is therefore not included in the
total number of applications.
‡ A voluntary institution.
Except at the Lower Southern hospital, education is provided for the convalescent
children and the institutions are recognised by the Board of Education as
hospital schools.