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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 1969 there were 49,350 children in the roll of the 109 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
attendance.
(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
Despite the change in procedure in the previous year , the marked decrease noted
in the number of children formally examined under the provisions of Sections 34 and 57
of the Education Act, 1944, was not maintained. The total rose almost to its former level.
The largest increase was in those referred to E.S.N. schools, both boarding and day. Those
remaining at ordinary school with special help also increased.
The figures for statutory examinations do not include 14 children referred to-the
Medical Adviser of the Inner London Education Authority for pre-school assessment.
Prophylaxis
1. Measles Vaccination Little progress was made with the measles vaccination
programme as, in March 1969, the use of the vaccine was suspended by the
Department of Health and Social Security.
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 against
Poliomyelitis has remained steady although the Diphtheria figure has fallen very
slightly. The average for the whole of Inner London has risen during the year.
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