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111
In large towns it is found advisable to have special schools
for these children, but in Acton there are not sufficient children
with the same type of disease or of ages which admit of suitable
grouping.
Arrangements are made by which physically and mentally
defective children are sent to the London County Council Schools
for the purpose. These children are conducted to and from
school by guides specially appointed for the purpose.
As this method of education is a more expensive one than
that given in the ordinary school every care is taken to select
only those cases in which there seems some prospect of greatly
improving the condition of the child and helping it to become to
some extent self-supporting. The parents are also expected to
contribute a small share to the expense of its education in
accordance with their means.
If a special school is not suitable the home conditions of
the child are ascertained and the parents are given advice as to
the child's education at home.
For instance a girl F.M., aged 12 years, was mentally
deficient and also deaf. This child was not likely to make great
improvement in its education even if sent to a special school,
and the parents were unwilling to contribute anything towards
the cost. The mother was a dressmaker and said the girl seemed
fond of needlework. Under these circumstances the best result
was obtained by keeping the child at home to be taught dressmaking
by the Mother.
In another case an imbecile child, F.B., aged 10, is dumb
and seems very delicate. This child is unable to learn school
work but can be occupied about the house in dusting, laying the
table or helping in the home.
During the past year five mentally defective children were
submitted for admission to the L.C.C. Schools for Mentally
defective children. These children had been kept under