View report page

84
opportunities for this in school. The value of this procedure is
shown by the fact that in spite of the cessation of formal special
instruction, only one of these children has retrogressed, the remainder
having either held their ground or made further progress. It is
expected that at some time during 1934 the class will return to
Mattock Lane, when provision will be made for a further course of
instruction for those who require it.
Gratitude is again due to the head-teachers of the schools
which these children with speech defects attend, since their interest
and co-operation in the treatment is undoubtedly one of the most
important factors in ensuring success.
(g) Heart Disease and Rheumatism.—During the yeai there
were found in the course of routine and special inspections 26
children suffering from organic and 57 from functional affection
of the heart and 20 cases of rheumatism.
All children suffering from organic disease of the heart or
who have a history of having suffered from rheumatism, which is
the main cause of heart disease, are kept under particular supervision.
They attend the Health Centre for examination at frequent
intervals, the length of which depends on their condition, and
parents are advised as to treatment. A report of the home conditions
in each case is made by the Sanitary Inspector, 19 such
reports being made during the year, and defects such as dampness
are remedied.
Whenever treatment is called for at a hospital school arrangements
are made for their admission to the Edgar Lee or the West
Wickham Home.
(h) Tuberculosis.—Eighteen children were referred to the
Tuberculosis Officer for supervision, all being suspected of having
tuberculosis of the lungs. One case of glandular tuberculosis
was referred to the Tuberculosis Officer for treatment and one of
the ankle in which the disease was quiescent was kept under
supervision.