View report page

Special facilities exist on the school premises for the treatment of
physically handicapped children. During the year arrangements were
made for the Remedial Gymnast to attend the school for four whole
days per week instead of four half-days as hitherto, and as a result of
the appointment of a second Speech Therapist on a part-time basis, the
number of Speech Therapy sessions held at the school has been increased
from two to three per week.
Views on Open-Air schools have altered considerably in recent
years and in view of the design of modern school buildings there would
appear to be little gained by sending certain children to an "OpenAir"
School, particularly when this involves a journey in a crowded
school coach. An exception must be made in the case of children who
have become backward through the loss of much school time, and with
their special skill and experience the Head Teacher and her staff are
able to render much valuable assistance to such pupils.
If the cases have been properly selected in the first place there is
little likelihood that educationally sub-normal and physically-handicapped
children will resume attendance at ordinary schools. The
position with regard to children in the Open-Air Section is very
different, and it is my constant endeavour to ensure that such children
are returned to ordinary schools as soon as their physical condition
permits. Whenever possible such transfers are timed to take place
at the end of an academic year.
Close co-operation between Head Teacher and School Medical
Officer is desirable in all schools. In a Special School it is essential,
and it is a pleasure to record my appreciation of the help afforded
me by Miss Storm.
Page 95