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62
The Occupation Centre, which was opened on May 26th, 1948, has 43
children on the roll. Seven children have been excluded or left, and 22
admitted during the year.
The staff consists of a Supervisor, 1 Trainee, 3 Assistant Teachers, 2
Guides, 1 Domestic Help and 2 Cleaners.
Dinners are provided through the School Meals Service and free milk
is given to all children attending the Centre.
The patients attending the Centre are divided into 4 classes according
to age and ability.
The hours during which the Centre is open are those adopted by the
National Association for Mental Health Workers, i.e., 9.30 a.m. to 3.30
p.m., Monday to Friday.
The syllabus consists of instruction in the following subjects:—Singing,
physical training, educational games to wireless and music, percussion
bands, sense and memory training, speech training, stool
weaving, rug work and various other forms of hand work. Cooking and
laundry instruction is given to the senior girls and instruction in wood
work and gardening to the senior boys.
Young children have a 30-minute rest after dinner. The rest spend
half-an-hour in the garden if fine or in the music room if wet. Almost
all the patients take turns in laying dinners, handing round meals and
of washing and wiping up. The cutlery is cleaned once a week by the
older boys and girls.
In January, 1949, through the courtesy of the Grand Theatre,
Croydon, the children were taken to a matinee performance of " Robinson
Crusoe."
An Open Day and Exhibition of work was held in November for
parents, who were agreeably surprised at the standard of work on exhibition.
The children gave a short concert consisting of percussion band
and singing. Sales of the articles made by the children realised
£8 6s. 9d.
The usual Christmas Party was held on December 19th, when presents
were distributed from the Christmas Tree by the Chairman of the
Mental Health Sub-Committee. A number of visitors attended, including
the Medical Officer of Health, Chairman of the Committee, and others
interested in the work of the Centre.