View report page

Free milk for schoolchildren
All children attending special schools are entitled to free milk,
but authority for the provision of free milk to pupils attending
ordinary schools is restricted by the Education (Milk) Act 1971 to
pupils aged seven years and under. Under Education Act powers,
children over seven years of age in junior schools can receive
free milk only when so recommended by the Principal School
Medical Officer on health grounds.
In September 1971, the Council invoked its powers under the
Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act, 1963 to provide free
milk for all children in junior schools not otherwise entitled to
daily milk.
At the beginning of 1972, 313 children in junior schools were
receiving free milk on medical recommendation. A further 227
children were similarly recommended during the year, whilst 31
children were removed from this category, so that by the end of
the year the number of pupils receiving milk on medical recommendation
was 509.
Health education in schools
At the invitation of Head Teachers, health visitors continued
to give talks in a number of schools throughout the year.
Similarly, doctors were asked to speak, in some instances to the
schoolchildren and in others to Parent-Teacher Associations.