View report page

66
OPEN-AIR EDUCATION.
Every encouragement is given for the development of playground
classes and there appears to be a due appreciation by the
teachers of the value of these open-air classes, not only as a means
of promoting the health of the children, but in inculcating in their
minds the value of fresh air and healthful conditions in the prevention
of disease.
The Grange School and the more recently completed Coston
School which have been built on open-air lines, offer special facilities
for education in the open air. The projected new school at Greenford,
of which the plans have just been approved, shows a further
development in the open-air school. This school is of the Derbyshire
type, designed by Mr. Widdows, and offers better facilities for opening
up the classrooms in all kinds of weather without discomfort to
the children or the teachers. With schools developed along these
lines there should be no necessity in the future for special open-air
schools for anaemic or badly nourished children.
PHYSICAL TRAINING.
The value of physical training by means of organised games
cannot be over-estimated. Every facility is therefore being offered
by the Education Committee for their development by the purchase
of playing fields and by the allotting in the public parks of playing
pitches for school children. Here during school hours the children
indulge in such games as cricket, football, netball, etc.
Swimming is one of the most valuable physical exercises for
children and facilities are offered by which every boy or girl can
become a proficient swimmer before leaving school. The teachers
of swimming are capable and enthusiastic and the results of their
efforts, as evidenced by the number of certificates of proficiency
gained each year by the children, indicate the keenness and interest
of the children.
PROVISION OF MEALS.
Meals are not provided for school children under Sections 82
and 85 of the Education Act. When, on rare occasions, the teachers
discover that children are insufficiently fed, they provide out of
voluntary funds supplementary food in the form of milk or cocoa