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132
ST. GILES' SCHOOL FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
AND DELICATE CHILDREN
1 am indebted to the Head Teacher, Miss Lambert, for the
following report:—
The year has been one of consolidation in all departments following the addition of
two classes last year.
The most notable social event was the Coronation Tea Party and Entertainment for
which a grant was voted by the Croydon Council. We were honoured on this occasion by
the visit of Mrs. G. J. Cole who planted a Commemoration tree in the garden and who
presented the school with a Coronation Cup to be competed for at the Sports Meeting.
Throughout the working year, in curriculum and standards of education, we have
endeavoured to approximate closely to those of other schools, and our boys and girls have
been encouraged to play their part in all combined school activities. A choir group has again
taken part in the Schools' Festival Choir and the Schools' Carol Service: and for the first
time it has been possible for the school to enter competitors for the Schools' Sports Meeting.
Physical Education has included, in addition to the usual and special exercises, Football,
Cricket. Rounders, Netball and Tennis, and again the boys have enjoyed training from the
F.A. Coach. An average of 32 children in charge of five staff have attended the Central
baths weekly for Swimming lessons, and 11 certificates were won during the year.
We are much indebted to the Youth Employment Officer and his staff who have devoted
so much time and thought to the placing in employment of boys and girls whose severe
disabilities presented most difficult problems.
250 parents and friends attended the June Sports meeting when Alderman Cole, Chairman
of the Education Committee, presented the trophies, Mrs. Cole's Coronation Cup being
awarded to the compeitior winning the greatest number of individual points. The Christmas
Prize Giving and Party was a joyful occasion when we were very happy to welcome Alderman
and Mrs. Cole, Councillor and Mrs. Marriott and Councillor and Mrs. Cooper.
A very enjoyable renewal of previous school activities was the fortnight at the seaside
during the first part of the school summer vacation. Very good accommodation was found
at Heme Hay for 22 boys and girls in charge of three members of the staff. Beach games,
bathing, boating and numerous excursions made a happy holiday from which all returned in
excellent health and spirits. During the year there have been several helpful and enjoyable
Parent-Teacher meetings. Old Scholars, several of them now living in distant parts of the
world, and many of these in National Service, keep well in touch with the school and reports
of their progress are gratifying.
DISABILITIES AND TREATMENT
In the school there are 74 children disabled by cerebral palsy, polio-myelitis, tubercular
bOne disease, spina bifida and other causes. 27 children suffer from cardiac disability and
68 from respiratory disorders. The remainder are delicate from various causes. Physiotherapy
has been given on 4 days per week. Other treatments, as prescribed, have been given by the
Nursing Sister who also treats Minor Ailments and supervises physical welfare, keeping all
necessary records of individual progress. In this and particularly in the case of the severely
disabled boys the work of the Male Attendant has enabled considerable progress to be made.
There have been 23 medical inspections during the year at which 381 have been examined,
an average of 17 on each occasion, and an average of 9 parents attended each examination.
It is with continued gratitude that parents, children and staff express their appreciation
cf the devoted work of Dr. Hegarty for the welfare of the children.
The Head Teacher again wishes to record her thanks to the Chief Medical Officer and
his staff for guidance, help and co-operation during the year.
Average number on roll 19S
Admissions during year 6£
Left for:—
Employment 18
Technical School 1
Other vocational training 3
Ordinary Schools 46