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21
ST. GILES' SCHOOL FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN
Mr. Green, the Headmaster, reports that the year 1960 has
been part of a period of transition, in which the first stage of
the development programme has begun. The building work in progress
consists of a new heated indoor swimming pool, a separate
physiotherapy treatment pool and a dining hall and kitchen. There
have also been additions to the staff in order that the proposed
re-organisation of the School may go forward.
Whilst the fundamental processes of teaching have gone on,
the school has tried to maintain a programme of activities to
develop a breadth of outlook in the children. To this end.
School activities have included the following educational visits.
Parties of Senior boys and girls have made numerous visits
to a wide range of local industries including a local department
store, radio and television manufacturers and the Croydon Telephone
Exchange. Visits have also been arranged to local concerts
and theatres, whilst the largest group ever, took part in the
C. S.M. A. Festival at the Civic Hall and also in the Annual Carol
Service in December. One hundred children took part in a tour
of the Tower of London and the Dock area of the River Thames.
An average of 25 children and three Staff attended the
Central Baths throughout the Summer months and the following
certificates were gained: -
2 x 100 yards - 5 x 50 yards - 7 x 20 yards.
Whilst much of the accepted pattern of school life has continued
as outlined, certain changes have been noted in the types
of children admitted and these changes have high-lighted the
necessity for smaller teaching groups and greater opportunities
for therapeutic treatment.
Routine medical inspections took place on 20 occasions; 294
children were seen and 161 parents were present.
One visit each term has been made by an Orthopaedic surgeon
and a specialist in Physical medicine. Both examined 7 children
at each session, the parents of the children were also present.
In attendance were the Medical Officer, the School Nursing
Sister, the Physiotherapist and the Head Teacher.
Physiotherapy has been given on each school day; a total of
3,870 treatments to an average of 46 orthopaedic cases.
Speech Therapy has been given on one day each week; some 313
treatments to an average of 16 children.