View report page

4. MEDICAL INSPECTION.
The basis of the School Health Service is the Routine Medical Inspection
which is held at the schools and, under the existing arrangements, takes place
on the following occasions during the child's school life, in accordance with the
"Handicapped Pupils and School Health Service Regulations, 1945,' namely:—
(a) Every pupil who is admitted for the first time to a maintained school
shall be inspected as soon as possible after the date of his admission.
(b) Every pupil attending a maintained Primary School shall be inspected
during the last year of his attendance at such a school.
(c) Every pupil attending a maintained Secondary School shall be
inspected during the last year of his attendance at such a school.
(d) Every pupil attending a maintained school or County College shall be
inspected on such other occasions as the Minister may from time to
time direct or the Authority with the approval of the Minister
may determine.
During the year 1946, 4,226 children attending Primary and Secondary
Schools were given a full routine medical inspection and the analysis of the
age groups was as follows:—
Entrants 2,491
Second Age Group 1,076
Third Age Group 659
Special inspections and re-inspections totalled 1,432 during the year.
These included cases brought to the attention of the doctors by the head
teachers during the routine medical inspection sessions.
5. FINDINGS OF MEDICAL INSPECTIONS.
The ultimate aim of this service is (and will be) the annual inspection
of all children, not only to ascertain defects as they occur, but to note improvements
in the conditions found at previous examinations. Parents are always
invited to attend in order that instructions and advice may be given by the
doctor.
The object of these inspections is two-fold. As a preventive measure
firstly, to correct or mend wherever possible with a view to prevention of
breakdowns. Secondly, to obtain first-hand information on the general
physique and health of the school population and to take action against factors
and environment which are prejudicial to health.
The ideal result to be obtained from the School Health Service is, therefore,
to render and keep the child healthy (both physically and mentally) so
that the maximum benefit may be derived from scholastic instruction.
Further advantages resultant from these inspections are the detection of
defects in the initial stages and, by directing attention to them, the essential
education of the parents in child hygiene in all its phases.
Special inspections in schools, clinics, etc., are carried out in respect of
cases referred by teachers, nurses, parents and these all lead to the appropriate
treatment.
Following these inspections, lists are extracted and arrangements made
for cases to be seen by the specialists. Where parents fail to take advantage
of the facilities afforded, the school nurses visit the homes to advise the mothers.
If the parents then refuse consent the case is referred to the Borough Education
Officer for appropriate action if necessary.
38