View report page

The Inner London Education Authority is responsible for the School Health
Service, but by virtue of agreement required by Section 32 of the London Government
Act 1963, there is joint use by the Authority and the Borough Council of professional
staff, premises and equipment. The Medical Officer of Health is the Principal School
Medical Officer of the Inner London Education Authority for the area and responsible
to that Authority for the day-to-day running of the service.
School Roll
There were more children attending schools in this Borough than in any other
Inner London Borough, in May 1968 there were 49,020 children in the roll of the 112
County and Voluntary schools in the borough.
Medical Inspections
Routine Medical Inspections were carried out at ages 5, 7, 11 and during the last
year at school. Non-routine examinations were arranged as follows:—
(a) At the request of the Divisional Education Officer because of poor school
attendence.
(b) At the request of the Head Teacher because of some physical defect or poor
school progress.
(c) By the School Medical Officer following a hospital report or to review the
progress of a handicapped child.
(d) By the school nurse as a result of a survey or school visit.
Statutory Examinations
There was a marked decrease in the number of children who were formally
examined under the provisions of Sections 34 and 57 or the Education Act of 1944. This
was partly the result of a change of procedure. Many children referred for assessment
are allowed to remain in ordinary schools with special educational help for a further
period, after which their progress is reviewed. In the past these children were given a
further statutory examination. Since early in 1968 only those children who were
reported to be making no progress or who were still considered to be in need of special
schooling were formally re-examined.
The figures for statutory examinations do not include 23 children referred to the
Medical Adviser of the Inner London Education Authority for pre school assessment.
Prophylaxis
1. Measles Vaccination. In April 1968 the Secretary of State for Health introduced
vaccination against measles. This was offered to all susceptible school children under the
age of 7 years. Special sessions were held in primary schools and nursery schools, but
there was a very poor response and only 939 children were vaccinated.
2. Diphtheria Immunisation and Poliomyelitis Vaccination. The review of the immunisation
against diphtheria and vaccination against poliomyelitis continued. The percentage
of Southwark schoolchildren who have been protected is slightly higher than the
average for Inner London area: —
92