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Although the centre and clinic are housed in one building, the work falls
broadly into two categories. The educational psychologists deal mainly with educational
problems and the assessment of intelligence. If the problem appears to be
basically emotional and psychiatry is indicated, the case is referred through the
School Health Service to the psychiatrist, for diagnosis and treatment by the
psychiatrist and psychotherapist. Cases are also referred to the psychiatrist by
assistant medical officers and general medical practitioners, or parents may enlist
the help of the clinic directly. The types of cases dealt with in the clinic, which
include children who are maladjusted, present problems of psychosis, neurosis,
brain damage, and character disorder.
There is still a considerable delay for diagnostic interview and subsequent
therapy owing to a continued shortage of staff.
Working in conjunction with the centre and clinic, there is a Special Selection
Unit at Chase Side School for children aged eight to eleven years who have shown
gross emotional instability. They are admitted on the recommendation of the
psychiatrist. These children are usually of high or average intelligence but have
behaviour problems which make it impossible for them to be taught in association
with ordinary children. At the unit an endeavour is made to assess their potentialities
and needs so that they may be placed in a suitable school. There is also, at
Chase Side School, a special full-time class for maladjusted children up to 11 years
of age who have not been formally ascertained. This allows them to be taught in a
small group, an arrangement found to be of great benefit. It is still intended to
expand this arrangement to include school children of all ages. There are remedial
classes at Eastfield Road School and Croyland Road School and the Child Guidance
Clinic where special tuition is given to children who have specific difficulties such
as reading. They attend in groups for two half-days a week.
Recuperative Holidays
Recuperative holidays of two to four weeks' duration are arranged under
Section 48 of the Education Act, 1944, and in each case medical examination
showed that considerable benefit was derived by the 10 children who went on
holiday.
In addition, one epileptic child, two diabetic children and two physically handicapped
children were able to have summer holidays which were arranged respectively
by the British Epileptic Association, the British Diabetic Association and the
Invalid Children's Aid Association.
(See Statistical Tables 52, 53,54, 55, 56, 57 and 58)
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