View report page

78
I have been very favourably impressed with the effect that this
mid-day meal has had upon the children, and I am satisfied that it
has resulted in a definite improvement in their physique and
nutrition.
This class of child is usually of poor physique, the physical development
being frequently on a par with the mental development. It
was not on account of any defect of nutrition that the giving of a
meal at the school was started. It was largely to meet the convenience
of the parents or guardians, who find that taking the child
to and from school in the morning and afternoon is a sufficient tax
on their time, without a double journey in the middle of the day.
As a matter of fact, a number of them brought a cold meal with them
for their mid-day meal.
I have frequently expressed the view to the Education Committee
that the providing of free meals for Elementary School
Children is not required in this District, and regarded from the
point of view of strict necessity, I am still of this opinion. Nevertheless,
I am glad that I have had the opportunity of observing the
effect of a warm mid-day meal properly cooked and well served on
a small number of special children.
REPORT OF AFTER-CARE COMMITTEE.
By Mrs. Brazil, B.A. (Hon. Secretary.)
The After-Care Committee have now on their list 59 cases.
51 of these are ex-pupils of the Special School, and 8 others are
reported locally.
Seventeen children were on the roll of the Special School during
the year, including one boy who was persuaded by a Member of the
Committee to return after three years' absence, when he attended
a private school. Three of the four new admissions were from
Penge.