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58
The number joining the scheme in September, 1949, was
eighty-four. This was a comparatively small number, although
many more parents had appeared interested and the general
comment was that there was difficulty in paying a lump sum
down on entry to the scheme. It was also suggested that the
cost was rather high. In view of this comment a survey of a
sample of Ealing children was taken to find out how much parents
were spending on footwear. This showed that the cost of the Shoe
Scheme was on the whole very close to the average paid by a
representative sample of Ealing parents. For example, the
"average" parent of a six year old child paid out £4. 11s. Od.
during the year for strong shoes and repairs; a Shoe Scheme parent
paid £4. 17s. Od., which is very little more. The problem of a
complete initial payment was, however, a real one and when the
scheme entered its second year it was possible, through the help
of the W.V.S., to organise an instalment system, a service which has
been appreciated by the parents.
The children received regular medical supervision and it is
gratifying to see that while at the beginning of the Scheme (of
the 84 children) nineteen children had no defect found in
their feet, at the end of a year fifty-five were classed as
perfect. In particular, corns and callouses, cramped and curled
toes and bent great toes, were cured by wearing suitable shoes and
socks. As these ailments are the cause of much discomfort in
adults, it is especially important to recognise that they can be
largely prevented by providing children with properly fitted shoes.
As well as these medical findings, information of the rate of growth
of the children's feet was obtained and the importance of a range
of shoes which carries half sizes and three or four fittings became
clear.
When shoes are supplied from such a range most parents found
that three pairs of strong shoes were sufficient for the year apart
from summer sandals and Wellingtons, but the amount of repairs
required by individual children varied greatly, so that for the next
year, which started on the 1st October, 1950, it was decided to
omit the repair service and to include one pair of sandals instead.
At the end of the first year, parents were invited to make
comments on the scheme. Their letters showed that without
exception they appreciated the service and hoped that it would
be continued.
For the current year the scheme was opened to children attend
ing Northfield School as well as children at Grange School and at
Mattock Lane Welfare Centre, and 172 children are now participating
in the scheme.