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7
HEIGHTS AND WEIGHTS
The figures of average heights and weights are recorded in
Appendix B, Table II.
for the last few years, these figures have shown a steady
rise and at least one authority on nutrition has questioned the
interpretation that these increases indicated a general improvement
in the children's health. I have been satisfied that on
balance the advantages of having the average child taller and
heavier far exceeded the risk of some being overweight or unduly
precocious, or the theoretical dangers forecast for later life.
From the 1957 figures, it seems that stability has now been
reached, since there is very little change from the previous year.
VISION TESTS
A preliminary trial in vision testing of the five year old
Entrant group was commenced in 1956 and extended to all Entrants
during 1957 (see Appendix B, Table VIII). The school nurses consider
that such examinations can be usefully undertaken if: -
1. The child has had time to settle into the school routine
(preferably not in child's first term).
2. A suitable and quiet room is available for the testing
with adequate light.
3. The school is co-operative in providing assistance in
testing the children. It will be understood that such conditions
are not found in all schools.