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9l
It is not possible at present to dispense with the Special Day
School, but should there arise a strong public opinion in favour of
the permanent segregation of the helpless feeble-minded, and there
are indications that we are progressing in that direction, it may lead
to the abolition of these Special Day Schools for this class of child.
SPECIAL SCHOOL CHURCHFIELDS ROAD.
Number on Roll.—At the beginning of the year there were 18
children in attendance—three were admitted during the year, one
was discharged at age 16, and one left the district, so that at the
end of the year there were 19 children on the roll, 13 belonging to
Beckenham and 6 to Penge.
Inspections.—I have visited the School several times each term
and every child has been examined on at least two occasions during
the year.
Remedial defects, including Dental Defects, are carefully
followed up and appropriate treatment provided. Indeed, this class
of child gets much more attention in the form of medical inspection
and treatment than his more normal fellows in the Elementary
Schools
Provision of Meals.—A mid-day meal is provided at the School
for those children who are unable to go to their own homes in the
middle of the day.
The number of meals served during the year was 2976, an average
of 68 per week. The total cost of the meals amounted to
£49 13s. Od., about fourpence per meal. The parents contributed
£35 9s. lid. towards the cost and the balance of £14 3s. Id. was
defrayed by the Education Committee.