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The prevalence of dirty heads will perhaps best be guaged by
notes taken of the admission of children to the Borough Hospital,
as a more complete examination can be made at that institution
than is practicable in school. Dr. Parsons kindly analysed the notes
of 422 Croydon school children
Boys admitted with clean heads 102
,, dirty „ 34
Girls „ „ clean „ 42
„ „ dirty „ 113
Infants „ „ clean „ 61
„ „ dirty ,, 70
The numbers admitted from individual schools are too small to
allow of comparison, but it is surprising to find how widespread the
trouble really is.
DEFECTIVE CLOTHING AND FOOTGEAR were noted in 128
and 126 instances respectively. These defects were doubtless in
most instances due to poverty, and will be best met by reference to
the Guild of Help, whose workers could investigate the home conditions
and deal with each case on its merits. Apart from
deficiency in clothing there was a large proportion of children who
were unsuitably clothed, and in the summer time at any rate are too
warmly clad. The following leaflet was therefore prepared on
"Clothing of school children," and the health visitors have been
instructed to advise the parents as to the rational method of dressing
school children.
COUNTY BOROUGH OF CROYDON.
THE CLOTHING OF SCHOOL CHILDREN.
BOYS.
The most suitable outfit for a school boy consists of :—
(1) A combination garment.
(2) Knickerbockers.
(3) Woollen stockings.
(4) Jersey of knitted wool.
(5) Lace boots.
(6) Straw hat or cloth cap.
The combination garment should have sleeves and reach
just below the knees. The best material is wool, either woven
or one of the unshrinkable flannel mixtures. If flannelette is
used it must be the kind that will not burn. Ordinaryflannelette
is dangerous.