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the first year pupils attending the Unit, since the first year pupils of the
School have been moved to Roke School. I understand that efforts are
being made to resolve these difficulties.
Mr. Parsons (Consultant Otologist) has visited each of the Units once
a year. At these visits the teacher concerned, Mr. Oakley, the parent (if
present) and myself are present, when the progress, problems, and the
future education of each child are discussed individually.
Regular visits have been made by myself to these Units throughout the
year to observe the progress and supervise the general health of the children.
The children attending all four Units are making satisfactory progress
within the limitations (already referred to) of the Units."
I am grateful to the Chief Education Officer for the following reports on
the work of the Units for the Partially Hearing:—
Partially Hearing Unit for Nursery Children, Kingsley Infants' School
This year the Unit roll has varied between 6 and 8 children with an age
range of 2½ to 5 years. It is thought most of the children concerned are
severely deaf but all use spontaneous vocalisation. Three children use intelligible
words or phrases. Two of the latter children are partially hearing
and constantly use spontaneous speech.
The integration with the hearing Nursery children has been successfully
increased to include occasional whole days. One child remains in the
hearing Nursery every afternoon. One child from the main school visits the
Unit for speech and language work.
While continuing with the previous Nursery method of Education an increase
of auditory training has been considered essential. This has been
achieved very happily by all the children. Extra attention has been given tc
the maintenance of all aids to hearing since the recent survey in Inner
London. Our thanks are given to Mr. Wootton of New Cross Hospital for his
ready help with our Medresco aids.
It is certain that the children's experience of sound has to be increased
(where possible). Minor technical improvements have been made and it is
expected that a Peters Senior Speech Trainer (and further acoustic tiling) will
help substantially. It is hoped to release the present Unit trainer for home
use shortly.
Our children are very keen to attend school. Parents also have attended
the Unit and with the Infant Unit have helped to make two very well attended
and successful meetings in October and November. There is a general desire
that these meetings continue and provide help and information concerning
speech, language and basic (technical) knowledge.
Our thanks are due and given freely to our colleagues in the main school
whose help is so valuable to us.