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test with a pure tone audiometer with a view to obviating the reference to special
E.N.T. centres for treatment of those not in need of it.
The total number of children tested by gramophone audiometer was 26,241, of
whom 5,831 failed in the first test and 1,386 in the second test. It was only possible
to arrange for 608 of the latter to be tested by pure tone audiometer and, of these,
303 failed. Those who failed the pure tone test, together with the remaining 778 of
those who failed the second gramophone test, were referred to special E.N.T. centres.
A total number of 728 children completed treatment at these centres during the
year and of this number, 198 again failed the audiometer test and were referred to
aurists for consideration as to further treatment.
Problem, Children
The Council's scheme, established in 1944, to co-ordinate the local arrangements
for special children's case work was continued in 1949. Particulars of all
schoolchildren presenting difficulties in behaviour are referred to a case
conference of senior officers of the Education Officer's and School Medical
Officer's departments. There is one in each of the nine divisions into which London
is divided for education and school health purposes. Suitable cases are referred by
the conferences to child guidance clinics provided by hospitals, by voluntary associations,
and by the Council. Treatment is free.
The number of children referred to case conferences during the year 1948-49
was 1,566. These cases were disposed of as follows: 1,107 were referred for child
guidance, 11 for attendance enforcement, 78 for medical treatment, 128 to special
classes, 16 for boarding education, 10 for foster homes, 113 for ascertainment for
maladjustment, 80 for statutory examination to ascertain whether educationally
sub-normal, and 261 were dealt with in other ways. The total of 1,566 is
less than the total of the analysis as some children fall into more than one group.
Progress in dealing with current and previous cases was: 573 were no longer
considered to be "problems," 124 were in residential accommodation, 69 were on
the waiting list for such accommodation, 830 were under treatment at child guidance
clinics, 199 were on the waiting list to attend the clinics, and 746 had been
otherwise dealt with.
At the end of the year eight successful classes under specially experienced
teachers had been organised for children who presented some form of
maladjustment.
The Council's residential accommodation for maladjusted childern was as
follows:—
(1) Peckham Residential Special School (renamed Bredinghurst)—45
boys, most of whom attended local schools, some of the younger children being
educated on the premises.
(2) Braughing Hostels, near Ware, Herts.— 25 boys and girls.
260 maladjusted children were in residence at other schools belonging to
the Council or in non-Council schools or hostels or boarded-out with foster
parents.
At the end of the year the Council was responsible for child guidance units at
Bishop Creighton House and Putney Health Centre. All other child guidance
facilities for children of school age were under the control of the Regional Hospital
Boards, the Governors of Teaching Hospitals or Voluntary Associations.
A further survey of psychiatric services in London was completed early in the
year. It was decided to proceed with the establishment of a child guidance unit, at
Water Lane, Brixton, in co-operation with the Governors of the Maudsley Hospital,
who would use it for teaching purposes in child guidance.
The term "child guidance unit" is used to indicate that the work of both
a "child guidance clinic" and a "child guidance centre" is done there.