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Placement of children in residential schools is the responsibility of
the specialist staff at County Hall.
There is a large number of children in the Borough requiring language
stimulation and an early introduction to social life. New nursery classes have
been opened in the Borough at which children selected by Head Teachers
attend on a half day basis — 30 in the morning, 30 in the afternoon. A few
vacancies are kept open in each nursery class for children needing admission
on socio-medical grounds.
Prophylaxis
Action has been taken to increase the number of school children protected
against infectious diseases; 668 children have been immunised against diphtheria
and tetanus, 915 vaccinated against poliomyelitis, and 1,929 have had B.C.G.
vaccination. A new vaccine has been developed and Local Health Authorities
were asked to offer protection against rubella to schoolgirls aged 13 because
of the known association of certain foetal abnormalities with rubella infection
in pregnancy. The first injections were given in December 1970, and the total
number for 1971 is 2,704.
Health Education
Health education in schools has been undertaken by health visitors, school
doctors and nurses at the request of the head teacher. At present 5 health
visitors hold regular Health Education sessions in schools. Doctors hold
discussion groups on the problem of drugs, V.D. and personal relationships.
The Health Education Team from I.L.E.A. visited several primary and
secondary schools with their programmes on growing up, personal relationships,
drugs, smoking and V.D.
Student Health Service
A preventive and advisory student service has been continued in the Borough
in 3 Colleges for Further Education — Brixton School of Building, Brixton College
for Further Education and Kennington College.
Doctors' sessions averaged two weekly at Brixton School of Building and
one a week each at the other establishments.
Regular medical and counselling advice was provided by the College doctor
working closely with the College Welfare Officer. B.C.G. and poliomyelitis
vaccination was provided in all 3 colleges.