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Last year we had 189 children on roll, 153 educationally subnormal and
36 physically handicapped.
Returned to normal school 2 P.H. pupils
Hoping to "be placed in residential schools 2 P.H. pupils
1 E.S.N, pupil
We were pleased to acquire some nice dressing gowns for the school and also
some new toilet equipment."
The following report has been received from Mr. T. G. Hurton, Headmaster of
the Bentry School:-
"The building of a new school at Faircross, Barking, means that in a few
months a re-organisation of the School will take place. The physically handicapped
children of this school will go to the new school and in exchange the
educationally subnormal children of the Barking School will come here. This
change is long overdue as there has been a vital need for a school built
specifically to suit the needs of physically handicapped children.
Owing to earlier diagnosis and increased medical skills, the number of
severely physically handicapped children is steadily decreasing. This is in
line with the national pattern. However, it means that children admitted in
future may be more seriously handicapped still. Thus I feel that urgent consideration
should be given to the provision of suitable transport. For far too
long these children have been transported by coach and van. A vehicle, similar
in design to that used by "The Welfare of the Physically Handicapped Association",
would be a great boon.
The school has had a good year both educationally and socially. The school
has participated in all the Dagenham School Festivals with conspicuous success.
In addition, the School Orchestra was asked to play at the Essex County Show.
Two pupils of the physically handicapped department were successful in the
Royal Society of Arts Examinations last term, whilst, with one exception, all
our leavers obtained employment.
The School Medical Officer attends the school weekly and also the Dental
Officer. Mrs. Wheeler the Physiotherapist attends school two days per week, and
Miss Shipley the Speech Therapist two sessions per week. In addition, through
the co-operation of Mr. Brand, now Physiotherapist at Ethel Davies Physically
Handicapped School, Ilford, our children are able to attend Seven Kings Baths
for swimming therapy every Friday.
The efforts of all these devoted people are greatly appreciated, and all
Staffs co-operate readily and efficiently.
I am experiencing tremendous difficulty in obtaining teaching staff and
unless there is an improvement by 1st September, admission of pupils to the
school must, of necessity, be restricted.
In July we lose the services of Miss M. W. Dyer and Mr. H. Sharplin, who
will be retiring from the profession. They have given 35 years of loyal and
devoted service, and we wish them a long and happy retirement.
In conclusion, may I thank all Staffs for their kindness and ready
co-operation, and hope that this co-operation will continue when we become part
of the new Borough of Barking."
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