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carried out was 2,789 in 42 exercise sessions and 42 physiotherapy sessions. 26 children
went swimming in 31 sessions, total attendance being 429, a rough average of 16 per
session. The baths were closed during part of the summer term for alterations. To
stimulate enthusiasm and ambition, arrangements were made for swimming certificates,
signed by the Olympic coach, to be presented to any child completing a length or more.
The purchase of swimming rings has helped considerably but we would be very
grateful for volunteers to enter the water and help with the children, as quite a number
require individual attention. It is necessary to have one person each side of the bath and
the baths staff at full strength is four. As there are at least 10 children who are quite
unable to help themselves, it can be seen that helpers are urgently needed. This problem
did not arise in 1957 as there were more senior students available who were most helpful.
Exercises at the school included, as in previous years, breathing and posture exercises
as well as special exercise for specific conditions such as poliomyelitis and spasticity.
With the latter, the treatment combines relaxation and stretching of tight muscles
and rhythmical movements done to music. The majority of the children suffering from
poliomyelitis are rather severely handicapped so that progress is of necessity both slow
and small.
The children work hard and with a combination of free exercise and infra red, the
Guthrie Smith slings and pulleys for non-weight bearing exercise and massage, some
progress is made.
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