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FINDINGS OF SCHOOL MEDICAL INSPECTION.
Review of the Facts Disclosed.
Table II. gives the total number of defects discovered on inspection
at the schools during routine medical examination and
at the School Clinic. Among 2,777 children examined there were
824 defects requiring treatment and 368 requiring to be kept
under observation without treatment, and among 1,852 children
specially examined there were found 975 defects requiring treatment
and 133 requiring to be kept under observation Thus out
of a total of 4,629 children there were in all 1,799 defects requiring
treatment, and 501 requiring observation. Of the 2,777 children
examined in the routine way, 308, or 11.1 per cent., were found to
require treatment for defective conditions other than uncleanliness
and dental diseases.
Uncleanliness.—As has been the practice in previous years,
the heads of all the girls attending the elementary schools were
inspected after the usual school holidays thrice a year to determine
their condition as regards cleanliness. Of 9,591 children examined,
329, or 3.4 per cent., were excluded on account of verminous condition.
In addition 14 children were excluded for verminous
condition at the routine medical inspection held in the schools
and 24 at the School Clinic on being referred by the Head-teachers.
The usual practice is to issue a summons under the School
Attendance Bye-laws if the child is not cleansed within fourteen
days after exclusion. During the year only two summonses were
required, a fine of 10/- in each case being imposed by the Justices.
No action was taken during the year under Section 87 of the Education
Act of 1921. It has never been considered advisable to proceed
under this Section as satisfactory results have been obtained by
means of the School Attendance Bye-laws.