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

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Willesden 1914

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Willesden]

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315
the south and west sides. We therefore have dispensed
with the large doors of wood and glass
shown on the original plan, and instead have
provided rolling wooden shutters for protecting the
children against wet. As therefore the only
supports required are those to carry the roof and
take the wooden shutters, we are of opinion that
these supports should be of wood and iron construction
for the pavilions and the dining hall.
We do not recommend the provision of stoves or
the installation of a heating system for the classrooms,
but suggest that hot water bottles should
be supplied to the children if necessary. This
practice is adopted at " Woodlands," Northfield,
and provision has been made for heating the,
bottles, as will be seen on the plan. The desks
to be used must be light and portable, and the
chairs must be separate. We were not particularly
impressed by any of the types which we saw,
and are inclined to consider favourably the
ordinary folding examination desk.
(3) Verandahs or Resting Sheds.—Having regard to the
advantages and disadvantages of having only one
large verandah or resting shed as already set out,
we are of opinion that the idea in the original plan
of having a small verandah or resting shed
attached to each pair of class-rooms should be
retained. We do not think it necessary to have
any ceiling provided in connection with these
verandahs, but the roof ridge should be widely
separated so as to provide ample ventilation.
Beds are required for the afternoon rest, and the
best form known to us is that in use at Birley House
Open Air School, L.C.C. Here the canvas is
stretched round the ends of the frame and laced.