View report page

school, whether social or educational.
In the case of Physically Handicapped children we always try to
leave in an ordinary school children whose disability is not serious
enough to constitute a real obstacle to normal life or work in school.
Thus if they need to be admitted to Faircross School, they are usually
severely handicapped. Some, but not many, may eventually return to
ordinary school.
In the same way, children recommended for admission to the OpenAir
Section are in a sufficiently poor state of health that their school
attendance and, in consequence, their scholastic achievement is seriously
impaired. Contrary to the Physically Handicapped group, however,
many of these improve in health sufficiently to allow a transfer back to
an ordinary school.
Transport. School starts at 9.30 a.m. for the Open-Air and Physically
Handicapped, and 10 a.m. for the Educationally Sub-Normal children.
It breaks up at 3.45 p.m. Ten coaches bring the children to school
each morning from their various districts. Only a few children have
special bus passes or walk at their parents' request if it is deemed
wise to allow them this independence, or perhaps because they live
quite near.
Swimming. The children are particularly fortunate in being allowed the
use of the South-East Essex County Technical School swimming bath
once a week all the year round. They are eligible to apply for this from
the age of eleven years onwards and it is of great benefit to them as
well as a source of much fun and happiness. During the summer months
they are also allowed the use of Barking Baths once a week.
School leaving age. This is sixteen in all Sections of the School, but
in the case of many physically handicapped and open-air children they
may be released at fifteen if it is deemed advisable from a medical,
social or educational standpoint. Before leaving school every effort
is made to establish co-operative action and thought between Head
Teacher, parent, child and Youth Employment Officer so that suitable
employment may be found.
OTHER SPECIAL SCHOOLS

Page 32