View report page

78
Audiometry
Arrangements were being made at the end of 1946 to re-establish systematic
audiometric testing of the children in the schools in one division. This work had
been interrupted during the war.
Classes for foot defects
Special classes to correct foot defects before they develop into permanent
disabilities were commenced during the year under the supervision of a part-time
specialist in physical medicine, who made a selection of suitable children, and trained
teachers selected by the Council's organisers of physical training.
There were 30 classes in action at the end of the year, at which the selected
children attended for 8 weeks under instruction of the specially trained teachers.
Diabetic unit
The diabetic unit, established under the evacuation scheme to meet the need
for special care of diabetic children, has been continued, and the Council has thus
become the first authority to provide residential care for diabetic pupils under the
Education Act, 1944.
The unit is housed within the curtilage of the residential school at Hutton
(Essex).
The day to day care of the pupils is undertaken by the visiting medical officer
and nursing staff with special experience. A consultant visits fortnightly, and at
such other times as are necessary. The laboratory work necessary to ensure control
is undertaken by the staff.
The pupils take part in all school activities, including a visit to a holiday camp,
and attend educational establishments according to their age and ability.
During their stay they are taught the principles of the control of their disease,
the importance of dietary, and to give themselves injections of insulin.
About half the number of children at the school are sent and maintained by
education authorities other than London.
The only restriction placed on selection of pupils for admission is that they
should be suffering from diabetes mellitus and be of such intelligence as to profit by
their stay.
Teaching of mothercraft
The classes taken by school nursing sisters with special experience in mothercraft
were extended during the year. The course comprises 12 lectures, each of 40
minutes, with added time for practical demonstrations.
At the end of 1946, there were 29 secondary schools providing special mothercraft
courses.
Children under the age of 5 years
The number of under 5-year-old children on the school rolls increased rapidly
during 1946, and each primary school with 30 or more children under 5 years was
visited by a divisional medical officer and an inspector from the Education Officer's
department, with a view to introducing some approximation to nursery class
conditions.
Much of the accommodation was unsuitable for more than a few children
approaching 5 years of age, and, in practically all places visited, recommendations
were made for some adaptations which, owing to lack of staff and materials, were
necessarily limited to minor works.
By the end of 1946, there were 14 day nursery schools maintained by the Council,
with accommodation for 861 children, and 6 aided nursery schools with about 245
places for children between 2 and 5 years of age. There were also over 70 nursery
classes, with accommodation approaching 3,000 places, for 3 to 5 year olds.