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9. OPEN-AIR EDUCATION.
I append herewith a report submitted by Mr. E. E. Rapley (Headmaster)
of the Open-Air School:—

7 he School Day commences at 9 o'clock, when the children, many of
whom arrive by coach, have breakfast. From 9.30 to mid-day, lessons are
taken.
Personal Hygiene is a regular feature of the school routine; each child
having his own towel and toothbrush, and regular times are fixed for the
children's ablutions. In this way, and by informal discussion, the necessity
for personal cleanliness, internal and external, is impressed upon the
children. The boys and girls have one or more shower-baths a week. This
shower is taken under the supervision of the School Nurse, and its tonic effect
has a marked influence on the health of the children.
A Resting Period, is arranged for an hour or more immediately after the
mid-day meal. Many of the children sleep during this time, and, as most
children suffer from lack of sufficient sleep, the value of the rest is obvious.
Lessons, mainly of a practical nature, are continued in the afternoon, and
after tea the children return to their homes. The last child leaves the school
premises at about 5 p.m. in winter and at about 5.45 p.m. in summer.
The Diet consists of three full meals a day, varied according to season.
It is drawn up by the Cook Superintendent of the Central Kitchen in consultation
with the School Medical Officer and Headmaster. Each day's menu
provides for a pint of milk and fruit in some form or other.
Medical Supervision.
A general medical inspection of the children is made once a quarter
and in the interim the School Medical Officer visits the school and examines
any child with a particular defect requiring constant medical supervision.
For minor ailments the Nurse attends to most of these, but it is sometimes
necessary to send children to the ordinary School Clinic for diagnosis
and treatment. I am glad to be able to say that the progress made by all
these children is very satisfactory, and, what is more pleasing to note, the
psychological outlook towards school improves.
In the beginning I feared it would be very difficult to get the majority
of these children to attend school, especially in cold weather, but I found the
reverse to be the case, and I have noted the disappointment of some of the
children when it has been decided to send them back to an ordinary
elementary school.
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