View report page

In addition to Routine Medical Inspections, 9,815 re-inspections and non-routine
inspections were undertaken. These are arranged at the request of Medical Officers,
Headteachers, School Nurses, the Divisional Education Welfare Officer, or parents.
Children on the Observation and Handicapped Register are seen at regular
intervals and their educational requirements re-assessed accordingly.
Children whose school attendance is a problem are visited at home to evaluate
the reasons for their non-attendance. The Medical Officers, Teachers, Education Welfare
Officers and Care Committee Workers work in close liaison to help these children.
The reasons for their non-attendance are varied but may be social, physical or emotional
difficulties.
The Education (Handicapped Children) Act, 1970
The Education (Handicapped Children) Act, 1970, which came into effect on
1st April 1971, made provision for the transfer of responsibility for the education of
severely mentally handicapped children from Local Health Authorities to Local
Education Authorities.
The two junior training schools in the borough were transferred to the Inner
London Education Authority on 1st April and re-classified as schools for severely
subnormal children. During the year 140 children were on roll at the schools.
Tuke School, the opening of which was described in my last report, is purpose
built and has a special care unit for the children who are both severely physically and
mentally handicapped or severely mentally handicapped and disturbed.
Statutory Examinations
92 children were examined under Section 34 of the Education Act 1944, to assess
their need for special schooling. This figure was 36% lower than the previous year. Of
the children examined, 25 were recommended to remain at ordinary schools with
special remedial help.
The Education (Milk) Act, 1971
Following the implementation of the Education (Milk) Act, 1971, the provision
of free milk for pupils in primary schools, over the age of 7 years ceased from 1st
September, 1971. Milk is, however, provided for any child for whom it was recommended
on medical grounds. 128 children (0.25%) of the school population have been
recommended for milk.
85