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14
Inspections
The number of children on the register at maintained schools
within the Borough at the close of 1961 was 36,56 3. Including
an additional 43 scholars at "grant assisted" schools this
represents a sum total of 36,606.
During the year 87 per cent. of the school population were
examined, compared with 74. 5 per cent. in 1960. This increase
has come about largely as a result of the improved treatment
position in the New Addington area.
According to recent returns only 2,479 children remained unexamined
during 1961, compared with 6,000 last year.
At those schools visited 31,824 were inspected and 13,097
(41. 1 per cent.) referred for treatment, compared with 25,456
inspected and 11,752 (46.3 per cent.) referred in 1960.
Because of discrimination exercised in the matter of certain
conditions deemed inadvisable to treat, the above figures should
not be regarded as an index of the actual incidence of decay.
The results obtained from school inspections were as follows:-
Acceptance of Treatment 35.4%
Refused Treatment 48 %
Forms Not Returned 16.6%
The above figure represents a decrease of 3.6 per cent.
acceptance compared with 1960 and is in line with the general
trend since the introduction of alternative provision under the
National Health Service. Though, as stated later, this has had
a significant effect on the general treatment position, anxiety
continues regarding the very appreciable number of children now
opting out of the school Service, who are subsequently found to
have received little if any outside attention. Where there is
conspicuous neglect "follow up" measures are usually instituted
through the Head Teacher, generally with only limited success.