London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Leyton 1961

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Leyton]

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Intrial and Date of BirthHistory prior to AdmissionObservations following attendances at the Sessions
L.H. 8.7.58This is an only child who lives with his parents in a small first floor flat of a terraced house with no opportunities for play.She is a very quiet and shy child and was distressed when leaving her mother. It took 6 weeks before she parted from her mother without crying. She now enjoys the centre and plays well with all equipment. The mother is delighted to see that L. can now play with other children and is able to co-operate.
D.L. 26.3.57This child has a brother of 10 and a sister of 8 years of age. He disliked the company of children of his own age group and upset the activities of his brother and sister thus causing friction in the home.Unable to play at first with children in his own age group. Mother had to stay with him for long periods during the first two weeks. He has settled down well now and is very happy playing with other children. The mother states that he is easier to handle at home and is well prepared for school which he will attend in January, 1962.
D. M. 17.3.57Mother is divorced and is a business woman. She therefore cannot devote much time to her children. D. is very mischievous and needs guidance in play and is inclined to be boisterous.This little boy settled down quickly but still needs firm handling. He enjoys active play and is benefiting from regular attendances at the session.
S.N. 20.7.58The parents are elderly, the mother is mentally disturbed and attending a psychiatrist. The mother's mental state is having an adverse effect on the child's development. He is not habit trained and in need of companionship of other children.This child enjoys the play centre and settled down quickly. He is now habit trained at the play session but reverts to his babyish habits at home. This child would benefit by admission to a day nursery but at present the parents do not see this need.
K.N. 18.6.57This family live with the maternal grandparents and there is no opportunity for play. There is friction in the home and parents and grandparents do not agree concerning the children's management. K. became aggressive since the arrival of a baby brother in March,1961.K. enjoys the play sessions and is not aggressive towards children at the centre. She plays with all equipment. Parents report she is still aggressive at home.
D.St. P. 26. 3. 58This child's father is physically handicapped. The family lives on the first floor of a terraced house and there are no play facilities.This is a bright and active little girl who settled down quickly. She is interested in different types of play and benefits greatly from these sessions. The family situation is already showing signs of improvement.

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