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10
HEIGHTS AND WEIGHTS
The figures of average heights and weights are recorded in
Appendix B, Table II, and show once again that the post-war trend
of yearly increases has ceased and a new level of averages has
been reached. For the two intermediate age groups presented for
routine medical examinations, weighing and measuring was not
carried out.
VISION TESTS
Routine vision tests for entrants is now an established procedure
and considered of such importance that where an immediate
result cannot be obtained the nurse returns especially to complete
the test. For the usual Tables, see Appendix VIII.
UNCLEANLINESS
Cleanliness inspections are carried out by the School Nurses
each term in most schools, so that the majority of pupils are
brought under review. The finding of slight infestation in unexpected
offenders leads to the issue of an informal letter to
the parents, setting out a method of treatment and offering a
supply of suitable emulsion. The appropriate formal notices are
sent to the parents of children previously found verminous.
Steel combs are sold or loaned where necessary. Endeavour is made
to serve notices on the parents by the School Nurse personally,
so that she has opportunity to emphasise that infestation may be
a family complaint and not limited to the school child, and the
need for constant cleanliness to prevent relapses. A cleansing
station is provided for the treatment of scabies and very
occasionally deals with other verminous conditions.
Number of children inspected for cleanliness
(first inspection) 52,648
Number of children inspected
(subsequent inspections) 955
Number of children found unclean
(first inspection) 535
Number of occasions in which children found unclean
(subsequent inspections) 148
At the primary inspections vermin were found in 22 and nits
alone in 513 children. On these inspections 1.0 per cent. of the
children showed evidence of infestation as against 0.9 in 1960.
7 children attended the Cleansing Station for treatment for
verminous conditions and 8 for scabies.