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177
In general, the children seen are in the lower half of the normal
distribution for intellectual development.
The educational psychologists have continued to be consulted
over the selection procedure for secondary schools and have undertaken
a survey of the remedial provision in reading and other basic
skills in those schools. The screening of the top infant slow
learners has become a well-established practice. In 1969, 122 infants
were the subject of further investigation. Thereafter, thirty were
discussed at three co-ordinating panel meetings and twenty-three
were recommended for placement in special schools. The year
brought increased liaison with the teachers of maladjusted children
and with the teachers of remedial reading who make up the tutorial
unit. The work of this unit has been affected by the prolonged
illness of Mrs. Waite, and her untimely death in December, 1969,
greatly saddened all those who knew her and the quality of her
work. The educational psychologists have also continued to give
help at the Borough's four special schools.
During 1969, a fourth special opportunity class was opened.
These classes, which are valued by parents because they form
part of normal schools, now exist at Churchfields Primary,
Leesons Infants', Raglan Infants' and Midfield Primary Schools.
They provide education for children between the ages of five and
seven who have serious learning or behaviour difficulties or who
need a substantial diagnostic period in a school situation. The
development of these classes, which do not exist elsewhere, is
greatly to the credit of Mrs. Preston, the Borough's Senior Educational
Psychologist.
Audiology Service
Further development and satisfactory integration continued in
this Service. During the year arrangements were made for a
further six Medical Officers to attend the Short Course on "The
Diagnosis and Treatment of the Deaf Child" at the Nuffield Hearing
and Speech Centre.
Two Medical Officers have particular responsibility in this field
and I am happy to submit this report which can be considered as
follows:—
(a) Routine Medical Inspections now include a sweep frequency
test and those who fail are followed up with a threshold test. In the
5-6 years age group we wish to identify those children suffering
from catarrhal deafness, a condition very common to this age
group and a real handicap to the child, particularly if it is unsuspected.
Those requiring treatment are then referred to local
Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants, with the concurrence of the
family doctor.
Routine audiometry at the 10 and 14 years inspection would