View report page

42
SCHOOLING FOR NON-EVACUATED SCHOOL
CHILDREN
At the outbreak of war on 3rd September, 1939, compulsory
education was suspended, and it was not until 15th November,
1939, that Leyton Schools were re-opened for voluntary education.
Minor Ailment Clinics.
It was found that some form of medical supervision and
treatment was required by Leyton school children who were not
transferred to the Reception Area, and on 26th September the
two School Minor Ailment Clinics were re-opened. School Nurses
were in attendance each morning at these Clinics, but Doctors
were in attendance during only two sessions per week. The
number of children attending these Minor Ailment Clinic sessions
was not sufficient to occupy the whole of the time of the School
Doctor in attendance, and it was decided to carry out diphtheria
immunisations and special medical examination in addition to
the ordinary work of the Clinics. At Park House Clinic, which
was also used as a First Aid Post, the School Nurse also acted as
the nurse in charge of the Post. School Nurses visited the homes
of defective children within the Borough, and where necessary,
advised them to attend the Clinics for advice.
Special Clinics.
As the result of experience at the Minor Ailment Clinics it
was found necessary to re-open the following Special Clinics on the
dates mentioned :—
Orthopaedic Clinic ... 30th November, 1939.
Aural Clinic ... ... 4th December, 1939.
Ophthalmic Clinic ... 6th December, 1939.
The Special Heart Clinic had not been resumed at the end of
the year.
ROUTINE MEDICAL INSPECTION.
On 15th November, 1939, the Authority's Public Elementary
Schools in Leyton were opened for a modified form of instruction.
Senior and Junior pupils attended School for two hours daily and
Infants for 1½ hours daily. The number of pupils attending
increased gradually until the month of December, when over
5,000 were in attendance.