View report page

80
OPEN-AIR DAY SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS IN WILLESDEN.
The following table shews the number of physically defective and delicate children in Willesden
known to the Education Authority, for whom an Open-Air Day School is desirable:—
(1) Non-active Tuberculosis 164
Note.—These 164 children are at present attending ordinary elementary schools but
relapse from time to time and are absent from school for longer or shorter periods.
(2) Paralysis
(3) Various deformities if—
(a) the deformity renders the child liable to injury at the ordinary school;
(b) the child is under treatment or observation on account of the deformity;
(c) Orthopaedic instruments are worn.
(4) Certain chronic conditions, e.g., chronic lung conditions other than tuberculosis, chronic
rheumatism, exophthalmic goitre, heart disease, kidney disease, etc.
(5) Certain cases of anaemia and ill-defined conditions, e.g., the so-called pre-tuberculous
child
(6) Certain nervous children
(7) Cases discharged from residential schools ...
Cases belonging to these groups, viz., (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7), number 182
Note.—These 182 are cases who have been specially referred for examination on the
grounds that their education in an ordinary elementary school is impossible or is
being seriously interfered with by their physical condition.
Total number of physically defective and delicate children in Willesden known to the
Education Authority and suitable for an Open-Air School is 346
In addition to this number of 346 there are 52 dull and backward children known to
the Authority who would be best educated under open-air conditions.
The above total of 398 does not represent all children who would benefit from attendance
at an open-air school as many do not come under notice and a special search for them has not been
made.
Of the known number of 398 about 90 are already on the roll at Furness Road and Leopold
Road Physically Defective Schools. The majority of the children in attendance at Furness Road
and Leopold Road Physically Defective Schools are cripples or suffer from heart disease.
PRACTICABILITY OF USING DOLLIS HILL HOUSE AS AN OPEN-AIR SCHOOL.
Dollis Hill House is a mansion standing in about 1½ acres of land to the north of Gladstone
Park, facing south and with its grounds abutting on the Park. It was used during the War as a
hospital for wounded soldiers and was adapted for this purpose by structural alterations and the
addition of huts. The huts with one exception, the " Princess Louise," are still standing.
If converted as an Open-Air Day School for Willesden children, this house presents the following
advantages and disadvantages:—
(1) Situation and Accessibility.—The situation is excellent from a health point of view. The
house however is at a considerable distance from the more outlying parts of the district
to the south, and is also inaccessible by way of ordinary public conveyances.
The approach to the house from Dudden Hill Lane and Dollis Hill Lane is of such
narrowness and gradient as to make it difficult for the ambulances which convey the children
to and from school.
(2) The extent of the ground attached to the House.—This is limited to 1½ acres. It is generally
accepted that 1 acre of land should be provided at a day open-air school for every 40
children.
(3) Sanitation.—The house has the advantage of already possessing an adequate drainage
system and water supply, including arrangements for supplying hot water to the main
building and various annexes. It also has gas laid on and a complete installation of electric
lighting.
(4) The upper storey of the main building cannot be fully used for school room accommodation
owing to the fact that so many of the children would be cripples.
Dollis Hill House and Huts could be adapted as an Open-Air Day School to accommodate
140 children in daily attendance. It should be noted that the land attached to the house is sufficient
for only about half this number. If the house is used for 140 children the following repairs and
alterations are necessary:—
(1) General outside repairs.
(2) Laying out of grounds to form playgrounds and school garden.