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The two classrooms of the special care wing are separated by large sliding
doors which can be opened to form one very large free teaching area. These
classrooms have direct access to outside play areas with an external store for
outdoor equipment. Also, there are specially equipped lavatories, bathroom,
utility room and linen store in this wing of the school.
Central heating and domestic hot water is provided by two gas-fired
boilers, natural ventilation is provided to all areas by windows and roof lights
and forced ventilation is available in the kitchen. The school is equipped with
a fire alarm system with call points and sirens which give a very clear warning
above background noise. A separate fire main and hose reels are positioned so
that any part of the school can be easily and quickly reached.
Normal school activities were commenced at the beginning of the Spring
Term, 1970; the children and staff were transferred from Peckham Junior Training
School and Derwent Special Care Unit both of which closed permanently at the
end of 1969.
Short Term (Residential) Care
Short term care arrangements for subnormal and severely subnormal persons,
children and adults, continued to be made during 1970. Unfortunately, one of the
residential homes, of which considerable use had been made in previous years,
closed in February and this added to the difficulties experienced in securing
suitable residential vacancies for short term care. Places provided at Council
expense at local health authority, voluntary and privately maintained homes
numbered 67; this was 57 fewer than in 1969. In addition, 22 short term care
places were provided in hospital and 27 at Hilda Lewis House, an assessment
unit opened on 1st April, 1970, under the auspices of Bethlem Royal Hospital.
Transport
In addition to the day-to-day transport facilities provided as part of the
mental health services to take adults and children to and from the training
centre, day centres, junior training schools and special care unit, numerous
special transport arrangements were made during the year. On one occasion six
children were taken to, and returned from, St. Leonards-on-Sea Sussex, for a two
week holiday arranged by Southwark Society for Mentally Handicapped Children
and many journeys were made in connection with long term and short term care
placements. A departmental car was permanently available for use by mental
welfare officers and occupational therapists.
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