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(10) PHYSICAL TRAINING.
The Local Education Authority have no Organiser of Physical Training in the
schools in Barking. Liaison does, however, exist between the School Medical Service
and the physical instructors appointed to the various schools. The School Medical
Officer when visiting the ordinary elementary schools takes every opportunity of seeing
both boys and girls taking part in physical instruction, comments upon the clothing
worn during the exercises, and confers with the instructor upon any difficulty arising in
the course of his duties.
Children in whom physical training is unsuitable because of some physical defect or
intercurrent invalidism are examined and debarred from taking part in the classes.
The Secretary of the Barking Schools' Sports Association refers all boys who have
been selected for bouts in the boxing tournaments for a medical inspection previous to
the contests. If for any reason boys are unsuitable, they are warned not to box. I would
like to again offer my congratulations to this very able Association for the successful
organisation and conduct of the various tournaments, games and sports in Barking
throughout the year.
(11) PROVISION OF MEALS.

During 1933, the Authority extended the scope of its scheme for providing meals for
necessitous school children. One new centre was opened at an elementary school,
and has been of great service. The Municipal Restaurant, St. Paul's Room, and the
Baths Concert Hall have ceased to be used for the serving of free meals; the school
children now attend at St. Margaret's Hall, Vicarage Drive, where the accommodation
is more suitable.
The following table summarises the arrangements which exist where mid-day meals
are taken at schools.
It will be noticed that meals can be heated at some of the schools, and the children
are supervised during meal-times. The table also shows what arrangements there are
for the drying of children's clothes and boots.
Dietaries are submitted for approval to the School Medical Officer, and where meals
are provided free of charge on the recommendation of one of your Medical Officers,
children are re-inspected, and any increase in weight and improvement in general
condition noted on subsequent visits to the school.