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For the first time outside visits of interest were included in the home help's
programme. Particularly popular were the visits to Occupational Therapy
Department of King's College and St. Francis Hospitals. Their courses had a final
"Any Questions" session and the questions asked revealed a deep understanding
and sympathy for the problems of the recipients of the service.
Two study days were arranged for nursing staff; one on Play and the
other on Health Education in schools. At the "Play" day, the slides made for
use as visual aids were shown. The Children's Librarian spoke on "Books for
Young Children". Numbers of day nursery staff provided an exhibition of toys
made from junk. All members of nursery staff, and a number of outsiders
interested in the subject were able to attend for some part of the day.
At the invitation of the Children's Officer, a member of health visiting
staff took part in the training of housemothers at Shirley Oaks. Nursing Officers
have participated in courses arranged by the London Boroughs Training
Committee, and have given talks on careers in nursing in Secondary Schools.
OBSERVATION/HANDICAP REGISTER OF CHILDREN
AGED UNDER FIVE YEARS
Handicap is regarded as a disability which permanently or for a substantial
part of a child's life interferes with his growth, development, activity and social
adjustment.
The Observation/Handicap Register is not a list of medical handicaps but
a living, ever changing record/index of children in their particular social and
family setting who have emotional, mental and physical disabilities. Their basic
needs are just the same as those of any other children and any other families,
but specific needs are greater because they have to strive harder.
The general aim of Observation/Handicap Register for children aged under
five is to co-ordinate all services available for the handicapped child, local and
national, statutory and voluntary, medical, social and educational. The specific
aims are
Early identification of a handicapped child
Full medical and social assessment
Early and appropriate treatment
Guidance and assistance for parents and the family
Follow-up and re-assessment
Appropriate educational treatment.