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25
During the year, suspected mentally sub-normal and backward
children were referred from various elementary schools to a
temporary class at the Special School, and subsequently after a few
months' observation submitted for more detailed examination by
the School Medical Officer. During the year 19 such children came
before the School Medical Officer, out of which number, and
including those whose period of observation expired during the
year, 7 were certified mentally deficient, and arrangements made
for their admission to the special class for such children.
Mentalfy defective Children.—11 children were examined
as to their mental condition during the year, all of whom were
certified educable and arrangements made for their admission to the
special class.
During the year one child attending the Special School was
notified to the Local Control Authority as having attained the
age of 16 years, while 2 cases left school on attaining the age of
16 years.
The number of physically defective children in attendance at
the. cripple class was 42; 7 cases left the class on attaining the
age of 16 years. The School Medical Officer examined and certified
20 cases suitable for admission to the cripple class, in addition
to one case unsuitable for any school.
(b) There are no educable mentally defective children in the
district for whom the Education Authority is responsible and who
are not either at the Special School or in residential institutions.
Ineducable mentally defective children of school age come
within the responsibility of the Essex County Council.
(c) The question of the after-care of mentally defective children,
i.e., after attaining the age of 16 years becomes the statutoryduty
of the Local Control Authority, and is carried out by the
Essex County Council who arrange for guardianship or institutional
care in necessary cases.