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95
the basic problems concerned with health education and to elicit
their interest and help in furthering this very important work in
schools, and an encouraging response was forthcoming. Unfortunately,
the follow-up which had been planned was not as vigorous
as one had hoped. Although the Health Education Officer from
the Inner London Education Authority had visited schools in the
area, we are under some disadvantage in that we have not yet been
able to appoint a health education officer in Wandsworth. It is
the Committee's policy that a health education officer should be
appointed and although steps were taken during the year to make
an appointment, in the event this did not materialise. It is hoped
that the formation of the Health Education Council will further
schemes of training for health education officers because this work
requires knowledge of biology and sociology with skills and ability
to impart this knowledge to lay people. Nevertheless, in spite of
this disadvantage, health education was not neglected in the schools
and we are grateful to the health visitors and school nurses for the
part they play.
I would again like to thank the staff of the School Health
Service for their work throughout the year and I am also, as
always, indebted to the Divisional Education Officer and the Heads
of schools in Wandsworth for their constant support of activities
which further both the education and the health and physical
well-being of the pupils.
Pupils on school rolls
In May, 1969, there were 47,708 pupils on the rolls of schools
in Wandsworth, including primary and secondary day schools
together with special day and boarding schools and classes for
handicapped pupils.
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 before a school journey
is of proven value.