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128
Playground
classes.
Open-Air Education.
In 1925 arrangements were made for the formation of 117 open-air classes.
The number of open-air classes in 1924 was 95.
There are four types of classes:—
A and B—Composed of delicate children selected on grounds of health by
the school doctor from (a) one or (b) more schools.
C and D—Ordinary school classes working in the open either (c) for the
whole season or (d) for shorter periods in turn with other classes.
41 classes of type A or B were held and 76 of type C or D.
71 were held in school playgrounds and 46 found accommodation in parks,
open spaces, squares or gardens placed at the Council's disposal.
The educational reports are regarded as distinctly favourable to the policy
of open-air classes. The inspectors' reports show that the teachers in charge of the
classes took a lively interest in their work and did their best to make the classes
a success. There is agreement that the main object of the classes, viz., the physical
well-being of the child, is being attained.
Preparations are being made for the increase in the number of these classes
to 137 in the coming year under the three-year programme.
Special reports have been received from the assistant medical officers on more
than 30 open-air classes in which the children have been kept under special medical
observation. On the whole, the weather during the past summer was more favourable
for open-air activities than that during the summers immediately preceding.
Without exception the reports are favourable. The average increase in weight
of the children in six months is about 4½ lbs. under open-air conditions. The
remarkable freedom from infectious disease is remarked upon even in classes held
in neighbourhoods where infectious disease was unduly prevalent. General freedom
from colds in children who were previously subject to them is also reported inde
pendently by many of the school doctors, and no doubt, as a consequence of this,
improvement or cure of a number of children, noticed at the outset to have enlarged
cervical glands, is often remarked upon.
Some of the classes, particularly such as are held in parks and open spaces,
are singled out as having been especially successful, and some valuable and detailed
reports have been received on these.
Amongst these may be mentioned: The Johanna-street (girls') class, type B,
which was held in Brockwell-park. Dr. Adam reports that 24 girls who attended
constantly from June to October were all found to have improved in physique,
and to have put on an average increase in weight of over four pounds. Out of 11
children suffering from anaemia, nine were reported cured, and of ten with debility
at the outset, all improved. Five children with enlarged glands in the neck showed
improvement. Untreated dental caries in the case of three girls affected their progress,
but in several other cases dental treatment was obtained.
The Hawley-crescent open-air class (boys'), type B, held in Regent's-park, in a
most suitable spot. Dr. Vawdrey reports that the improvement in physique was most
satisfactory, and greater than in previous years, owing to the warmer summer. Rest
periods and milk meals for this type are most important. Improvement in mental
conditions was noted. One boy put on as much as 10.3 kilos (about 22½ lbs.).
St. Giles-in-the-Fields open-air class (girls'), type A, held in St. Giles churchyard
by the courtesy of the rector of St. Giles and with help (caretaker, etc.), supplied
by the Holborn guardians. Dr. Raffle reports that the general health was excellent.
No case of infectious disease occurred amongst the 33 girls, although there was
much in the district. A great point was made of complete rest for half an hour
at mid day. Several girls with defects became quite normal. One girl, however,
who had thorea when admitted, became worse in August, and was admitted to