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102
Since 1903 the Health Visitors have delivered addresses to
suitable audiences on "The care of young infants and domestic
hygiene." During the past winter it was thought desirable to
somewhat vary this work, and to bring it more specifically into
relation with a scheme for medical supervision of school children.
It was therefore decided to arrange for the delivery of a short
course of three lectures on "The health of the school child." In
order to emphasize the relation of these lectures to medical inspection,
it is intended to arrange for their delivery at various schools
throughout the borough. So far, this has been attempted at Oval
Road, where the co-operation of Mr. Field, Miss Metcalfe, and Miss
Joyes, secured an audience of about 45 parents on three
occasions. The lectures evoked considerable interest, and
useful discussions followed. I hope as opportunity offers to arrange
for similar conferences at the other schools in the Borough.
In the appendix will be found a somewhat modified syllabus
of the lectures which I suggest may be reprinted for distribution to
the parents.
It is only right to add that in the preparation of the section on
diets and food values I have obtained much valuable assistance from
the writings of Dr. Niven, of Manchester
SCHOOL CLOSURE.
During the year 1909 five infant schools were closed in accordance
with Article 45 (t) of the code. The prevalence of measles or
whooping cough accounted for each of these closures.
EXCLUSION OF CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL.
During the year 45 children were excluded under Article 53 (b)
of the code. This is in addition to the large number dealt with in
accordance with the ordinary Standing Orders of the Committee.
PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY DEFECTIVE CHILDREN.
At the end of the year the following Croydon children were
under treatment in residential institutions outside the Borough
Blind children 9
Deaf children 4
Mentally defective children 4
Epileptic children 5