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In addition, one girl day pupil, left school and is now in full-time
employment. One senior boy, day pupil, was taken off-roll, following a prolonged
period of absence. A boy pupil, joining the Autistic Unit in January,
1972, had been gradually transferred to the Infant class of the Main School
by Easter, 1972, and his careful phasing back to normal Infants' Day School
completed by December.
Another pupil from the Autistic Unit is in the process of gradual transference
to the Infants class, and the Unit's only girl now attends St. Christopher's
School for two days per week.
The School has largely passed through the initial intake phase. All
places for resident boys are filled, and no vacancies exist in the Autistic
Unit. The few remaining vacancies are confined to the Infants and Senior/
Leavers age group. The latter would be best filled by a redistribution of
present pupils as they mature, so that vacancies are created for younger
pupils, with whom rehabilitation would be a realistic aim.
Staffing
Appointments have now been made, filling the Teaching Staff establishment.
Ancillary staff include a Nursery Class Assistant and two Welfare
Assistants.
A further full-time Male Child Care Officer was appointed during this
year, bringing the total Child Care Staff to four (Two men and Two women).
Mrs. Pearn and Mrs. Salter of the School Psychological Service, each
attend one day per week, observing, advising and testing within the School.
Mr. Reid and Mr. Edwards give the School close support, and regularly
attend Case Conference sessions.
Medical Provision
Dr. Crosse and Dr. Mills attend one morning on alternate weeks.
Their support is available to pupils in need of psychiatric help, their specialist
advice is widely sought, and their contributions to Case Conference
Reviews are greatly appreciated. The Review Meetings have included members
of the School Psychological Service, Education Welfare Officers,
Social Workers, Probation Officers, Home Tutors, Child Guidance Clinic
Staff, Teaching and Child Care Staff. Staff from Childrens' Homes and
Hospital Staff. Such forums have great value as In-service Training
sessions in addition to discussing the needs of individual pupils.
Dr. Boffa or Dr. Atkinson visit the School weekly, and see resident
pupils as required, at their surgery.
A very few cases of accidents, involving relatively minor injuries,
have been treated at the nearby Beckenham Hospital Casualty Department.