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Improvements in the schools- or in the school environment have been
noted year by year in previous reports and I am indebted to the Director
of Education Committee for the appended report regarding the improvements
which have taken place during the year 1937.
Improvements carried out at the Schools during the Year 1937.
Redecoration of Schools.—Silver Street, Croyland Road Girls', Raynham
Road Domestic Subjects Centre.
Installation of two Central Heating Boilers at Eldon Road.
Resurfacing Playgrounds, Eldon Road Girls' and Infants'.
Hot Water Heating Installation, Raynham Road School.
Installation of Electric Lighting, Eldon Road School.
Erection of Open Air School in hand.
4. MEDICAL INSPECTIONS.
Unfortunately, the whole-time Assistant School Medical Officer and
Medical Officer of Health, suggested last year, has not yet been appointed
and we cannot, therefore, embark upon a more effective scheme of medical
inspection until this is accomplished. Because of the lack of staff in the
past omissions have become almost the rule, and it is not easy to tear ourselves
away from slovenly and careless methods. I would like here to thank
the teaching staff for the co-operation which they give us at the inspections.
Medical inspections have been carried out as in former years, but I am
far from satisfied with the thoroughness of the scheme in relation to the
"following-up" of cases. It is to be regretted that the facilities at the
schools are not adequate and they should be dealt with during the ensuing
year.
5. FINDINGS OF MEDICAL INSPECTION.
(a) Malnutrition.
We are still suffering in our feeding centres from the lack of expert
attention to the cooking of food, and this is leading to some complaints on
the part of parents for their children to take the food. It is, however, the
intention of the Committee to appoint a Cook-Manageress, with expert
knowledge in the cooking, at a central kitchen, from which meals will be
supplied to the new oper-air school and the feeding centres.
(b) Uncleanliness.
During the year a determined effort was made to cleanse children, and
I regret that thorough investigation has proved that the "unclean" child
is still among us. This has necessitated the re-opening of the cleansing
station, but I am happy to now be able to say that the mothers affected are
taking more interest in the cleanly state of their children. There are,
however, some who still think that the School Medical Service exists solely
for carrying out the work which they themselves neglect, and it is the
intention of the Committee to have such parents summoned. I hope that this
course will not be necessary, but if it should, I consider it should be
rigorously applied.
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