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"The total number of defects is shown as 160 ; this is arrived at because
some children have what may be called ' double defects.' Of the total, onequarter
are not true ' open air ' or ' delicate ' children and their presence has
led to an inevitable modification of the open air routine. Compromise between
the needs of the delicate and the physically handicapped is unfortunate as
neither can reap full benefit from the regime. One example will suffice to make
this clear. Delicate children need maximum fresh air and this necessitates
plenty of activity in winter time in order that the children may keep warm.
Physically handicapped children cannot take full advantage of fresh air without
suffering from the cold. The result is a certain loss of fresh air by all, and the
School is too small to admit of organisation into Delicate and Physically
Handicapped sections. Maximum fresh air is a fundamental principle in open
air work and it is unfortunate that the lack of suitable educational facilities
for Physically Handicapped children should prevent the Delicate children from
gaining full advantage from the open air school. It is true that the Physically
Handicapped children gain immeasurably from attendance at the open air
school, they are enabled to attend school regularly ; they are under constant
medical supervision ; they enjoy many of the benefits obtained by following
the open air school routine, such as the stress laid upon suitable clothing—
and in this connection it is surprising how soon even Physically Handicapped
children can become used to living in open air conditions for the skin soon
gets used to it ; they profit from the regular meals, rest period and good habits
formed at a school where Health is won by a way of life rather than by a
bottle of medicine.'
"In the course of the year under review 203 children have made attendances
at the various clinics. The school coaches are used to transport the
children to the clinics and in this way loss of schooling is reduced to a minimum.
All Minor Ailments are dealt with in the School.
Education in the Open Air School.
" The curriculum is not a copy of that of the ordinary school although
it is based on the same fundamental principles. The fullest use is made of
the natural surroundings and of the routine of the school day in drawing
up schemes of work. Personal hygiene, social habits governing meals and
other occasions all have their place. The time-table is flexible and is, to
some extent, governed by the seasons and the ' opportune moment.
" The schemes of work provide for the education of both normal and
backward children. Of the children pronounced fit for ordinary school, one
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