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1ll
Residential schools
There were seven residential schools with accommodation for about 2,802
children committed to the care of the Council under the Children Acts.
A visiting medical officer attended each day and was available for emergency
calls. He examined all children on entry, before discharge and at such other times
as are prescribed by the Council. Arrangements were made for the dental treatment
of the children resident in the schools. At each school there were at least two
resident school nurses. Periodical visits were made by senior medical and nursing
officers from the County Hall.
There were also nine residential nursery schools outside London with accommodation
for 429 children from two years of age upwards. In addition to a local
visiting doctor, the schools were medically supervised by officers of the local maternity
and child welfare authority, and a medical officer from County Hall visited each
term.
There were three reception homes providing accommodation for 160 children,
4 approved schools with a total accommodation of 482 and 2 remand homes with
accommodation for 145 children. Each of these establishments had the services of
a visiting medical officer and periodical visits were made by medical staff from
County Hall.
During the year the Council's psychiatrist made a survey of the psychiatric
needs of these establishments.
In the development of one of the reception homes, Langley House, on the lines
suggested by the Home Office, approval was given to the appointment of a psychiatric
social worker, who will work with the psychiatrist in advising on the proper placement
of each child.
Infectious diseases in schools
The number of infectious cases reported from the day schools during the year
is shown in Table 14, page 146.

When necessary, special visits were made by assistant school medical officers.
During the year eleven cases of scalp ringworm and 78 of body ringworm
were reported among children in residential schools and children's homes. All
practicable steps were taken to prevent the spread of infection.
Provision of meals
The following information was supplied by the Chief Officer of the Restaurants
and Catering Department:—
The number of kitchens of all kinds producing school meals increased from
578 (including 471 school kitchens) to 579 (including 504 school kitchens) and
dining centres from 829 to 854 between October, 1949 and October, 1950. The
School Meals Service aims at concentrating the maximum food value into the
quantity of food a child is willing to eat. It has set the following standard
Age group No. of calories
I Under 7 years 500
II 7-11 years 650-750
III Over 11 years 850-950