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152
In the early days we found the children fearful of the water and
unwilling to move from the security of the handrail. It has been
encouraging both to the staff of Maze Hill and to the swimming
instructor to note that, in a very short period of time, the children
have not only overcome their fear of the water but have been
successful in obtaining a number of swimming certificates. The
children have to reach the same standard of efficiency as any
normal child to obtain these awards.
In the near future we hope to have our own small teaching pool
within the centre, thereby enabling us to introduce our very young
children to the water in preparation for more advanced tuition later.
Older boys and girls at Maze Hill are now firmly established
within a transition class. The aim of the group is to ensure, as far
as possible, that our children, moving on at the age of 16, are
socially and emotionally prepared for adult life. Work in this
group is organised under four headings: —
Domestic Science
Cookery, shopping, house care and laundry.
Needlework
Care and repair of clothes and the making of simple
garments for themselves, using hand sewing and operating
hand and electric machines.
Woodwork and Gardening
Making and repairing toys and equipment for the younger
children, producing vegetables and flowers for use in school.
Hygiene and Beauty Culture
Instruction of both boys and girls in personal cleanliness
and neatness, the washing of hair and, in the case of the girls,
to set it into simple but attractive styles. Girls are also taught
the discreet use of make-up.
Throughout the school the children have developed a selfconfidence
not often associated with the Severely Sub-normal child.
Moreover, they mix in the local playground with normal children
without difficulty.
A holiday for 22 children was happily and successfully undertaken,
and again, the interesting and encouraging aspect was the
near normality of the children's behaviour.
Our newest venture is the introduction of a Parent/Teacher
Association. It is hoped by forming a common meeting ground
for discussion and exchange of ideas we will be able to improve
still further the service for our children.