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children suffering from dirty heads. It is to be earnestly hoped
that this most desirable procedure will be adopted in all the
Finchley Schools in course of time.— J.R.P.].
"Following Up."
Tactful but persistent efforts are made to ensure that
every child suffering from any physical defect shall receive
appropriate treatment. Much of the work of the School
Nurse is devoted to this important matter. A special register
is kept for each school in which is written the name of the
child and particulars of any defect discovered. The result of
whatever action is taken is recorded, and no case is lost eight
of. The Nurse also endeavours to keep in mind those children
who have been recommended for treatment in previous years.
It has not been necessary to take any proceedings under
the Children Act for the enforcement of treatment for a
serious defect.
The Work of the School Nurse.
The following is an outline of the duties carried out by
the School Nurse:—
1st.—She attends with the Medical Officer at the schools
at the routine medical inspection. 2nd.—She examines the
children of certain classes periodically for uncleanliness,
presence of ringworm, and other parasitic skin diseases. She
takes specimens of hair for examination in doubtful cases in
order to have them submitted to microscopical examination.
Any matter of doubt or difficulty is referred to the Medical
Officer. 3rd.—She visits the parents at home whose children
have been found to be suffering from physical or other defects
in order to point out the advisability of obtaining treatment.
She is also able to bring pressure to bear upon obdurate
parents, and to obtain further family history where necessary.
4th.—The School Nurse is frequently requested to undertake
some special investigation, and by this means is often able to