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7
PART 1. MEDICAL INSPECTION IN SCHOOLS
Routine medical inspections in school still remain the basis of the
Borough's School Health Service and are provided in maintained schools
and others which have requested them. The following inspections are
carried out:—
(i) Entrants
Children admitted for the first time to school and not already
examined as Entrants, i.e. normally between 5 years and 6 years.
(ii) 8 Year Old Group
Children in their second year in a Junior School, unless previously
examined in the Junior School.
(iii) Entrants to Secondary School
Children in their first year in a Secondary School.
(iv) Final Leavers
Children in their last year of attendance at school who have not
been medically examined in that year.
(v) Special Cases
Children of any age whom the Head Teacher and parents wish the
Medical Officer to see at his next visit.
The number of routine medical inspections completed during the year
shows an increase of 2½% to 18,830 in line with the increase in the number
of school children. The question of some change in the present system of
inspections is still receiving consideration but the indication for, and the
direction of, change is still far from clear cut. The emphasis in School
Health is towards more.professional time being given to where it is needed
most, and this concept is straightforward where the children are receiving
special education because of a handicap of some kind. However, many
pupils in ordinary school also have a degree of handicap requiring advice
and possibly treatment, and convincing evidence that any change in our
system will enable these children to be recognised at least as well as under
the present regime is needed.