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42
Twenty pupils have, so far, received general medical inspections, during
two visits from the School Medical Officer. All pupils have been examined by
the Audiologist and School Dental Service. Treatment has been arranged at
the Dental Clinic for some pupils. In addition, resident pupils receive regular
dental care and examinations at a local Dentist's surgery.
Speech Therapy
Mrs. Julie Robertson's resignation has left the self-evident needs of many
autistic, non-communicating and emotionally disturbed pupils unfulfilled since
September 1972.
Parent Participation
An encouraging development has been the formation of a Parents' Committee.
The Parent/Pupil Socials and other events held at School have been well
attended. lt is hoped that parents will be more relaxed and confident in their
attitudes towards the School, and that pupils will benefit from the mutual
support of parents and staff.
PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PUPILS
The number of physically handicapped pupils ascertained was 32, a large
increase from the 12 of the previous year. However, fifteen of these children
were under five years of age, thirteen being ascertained in preparation for
attending the Nursery Unit at St. Giles' School to be opened at the beginning
of the Spring Term in 1973, and two were ascertained for a small Unit for physically
handicapped children with hearing defects to be opened at the same time.
The spina bifida group of children continues to grow. These often severely
handicapped children, requiring a lot of medical attention, will place an increasing
work load on the School Nurse and her staff, as well as on the school
generally.
St. Giles' Special School for Physically Handicapped Children
During the year under review there were 37 admissions and 29 leavers. Of
the leavers 17 transferred to other schools or left the district, 10 left to employment
or training and 2 died. The number on roll at present is 155 and the
main handicap groups are as follows:—
Boys Girls Total
Spina Bifida 14 15 29
*Speech Defect 16 12 28
Cerebral Palsy 10 7 17
Asthma 9 7 16
Congenital Heart 7 3 10
Epilepsy 6 4 10
Muscular Dystrophy 6 - 6
Fibrocystics 1 3 4