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96
been with us, further improvements have been made in the School
Dental Service, both from the point of view of equipment and
staffing, and consequentially in the dental care given to the children.
Mr. Weedon has a particular interest in dental health education
and this is something that we are very anxious to press forward
with.
I should like to thank my colleagues in the School Health
Service for their work and initiative shown during the year. I am
grateful also to the Divisional Education Officer and his staff
and also to the heads of the schools in the London Borough of
Wandsworth for their continued co-operation with us in our
efforts to maintain and improve the health of the children in their
schools.
Pupils on school rolls
In May, 1967, there were 45,408 pupils on the rolls of Wandsworth
schools, including primary and secondary day schools,
together with special day and boarding schools and classes for
handicapped pupils. This was slightly below last year's figure.
Medical Inspection of Schoolchildren
Routine medical examinations are performed by medical officers
working in either a full-time or part-time capacity. Whenever the
necessity arises the family doctor is consulted about the results of
the examination, and parents are invited to attend, so that any
matters relating to the child's health may be discussed without
delay. Much valuable information is also obtained from the school
nurses, the Care Committee workers and the teaching staff.
Immunization records receive special scrutiny and, if indicated,
the attention of the parents is directed towards completing the
immunization schedule, particularly with regard to the prevention
of diphtheria, poliomyelitis, tetanus and tuberculosis. Control of
infection and infestation is facilitated by means of the medical
inspections and the health surveys made by the school nurses.
In this respect, examination of children prior to a school journey
is of proven value.
Relatively frequent medical examinations take place at the
schools for the handicapped. Specially approved medical officers
examine educationally subnormal children. Although the emphasis
rests upon the educational status of these children, any physical
abnormality is carefully assessed, for the successful treatment of
a physical defect may well enhance the child's prospects of securing
gainful employment after leaving school. Behaviour problems
in children of all ages continue to present difficulties. To solve a
behaviour problem is often an exacting task, demanding intensive
application of medical and educational resources.