View report page

127
ST. GILES' SCHOOL FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
AND DELICATE CHILDREN
I am indebted to the Head Teacher, Miss Lambert, for the
following report:-
This year has seen the fulfilment of long-cheri shed hopes; in
the addition of a fine, well equipped Physiotherapy Room; in the
conversion of the former Physiotherapy Room into a useful and
pleasant Medical Room; and in the provision of specially good
wheeled chairs and other aids for the disabled.
Further, there took place the first of conferences to be held
each term, in which Spastic children were examined, and their
parents advised, by a specialist in the treatment of Cerebral
Palsy and by an Orthopaedic Specialist.
Our attached School Medical Officer co-operated, and also
present were the Physiotherapist, the Speech Therapist, the School
Nursing Sister and the Head Teacher.
It is felt that these conferences are a decided step forward
in the co-operation of many services in securing prompt and comprehensive
treatment for the children concerned.
Another hope that has been realised this year has been the
granting to the school of a second swimming period each week. An
average of 32 children and 5 teachers have attended the baths
after school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and the additional training
and practice have resulted in the securing of 37 swimming
certificates; 14 for 20 yds., 9 for 50 yds., 6 for ]00 yds. 6
for 220 yds. and 2 for ¼ mile. It is notable that several of the
certificate winners are quite seriously disabled.
Throughout the year work has progressed steadily in all
classes;- and boys and girls have again taken part in combined
school activities such as the Festival and Carol choir and the
Junior Sports Finals.
There have been several very successful Parent-Teacher
meetings and 235 parents and friends attended the July Sports
Meeting when Alderman and Mrs. Cole, Councillor and Mrs. Cooper,
Councillor Edwards and Mrs. Marriott honoured us by their presence;
and Mrs. Cole presented her Coronation Cup to the winner of the
highest number of individual points, and the John C. Lyell House
Cup to Nelson House.
Again at our Christmas Prize Giving and Party we were very
happy to welcome Alderman and Mrs. Cole, Councillor Cooper and
Councillor Edwards, and honoured by Mrs. Cole's presentation of
the prizes, particularly of the two special prizes she has given
us each year.
We were given great pleasure during the year by the visits of
Her Majesty's In spec to r o f Special Schools, Mr. Parnham, Mr. Moody,
H.M.I. and two parties of teachers from the Ministry of Education
Course for teachers in Special Schools.
The visits of the Youth Employment Officer and his Staff to
meet present scholars. Old Scholars and their parents, have been
most helpful; and we are a 11 truly grateful for the unremitting
efforts made to place the boys and girls in suitable employment.
In the Summer Vacation the holiday at Heme Bay was repeated,
when 22 children in the charge of 3 members of the Staff spent a
very happy fortnight there, swimming, boating, playing games and
making excursions to Canterbury, Dover and many other places.