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boys, but this is contingent upon the accommodation being extended. It is hoped however that the
proposed extensions will be carried out during the ensuing year when these additional places will
be available. The Education Committee are already maintaining 4 boys at this school and this
number will be increased to 8 when the additional accommodations has been provided. This home
was provided by the donors as a country residence near the sea for poor town boys and girls who
are anaemic and debilitated and who are physically defective within the meaning of the Education
Act, 1921, and it is recognised by the Board of Education as a Special Residential School. The boys
are selected both from the physically defective and the ordinary elementary schools and the duration
of the stay is six weeks, except in special cases when an additional six weeks' stay can be arranged.
All the cases which have been to the Institution have shewn a distinct improvement on their return
home. In all 32 boys attended the school during the year.
The Education Committee have also arranged with the Authorities of St. Patrick's Open
Air School, Hayling Island for the accommodation of 4 girls and 4 children (boys or girls) who are
suffering from anaemia and debility. During the year the Education Committee decided to reserve
8 additional places for girls at this school and this will come into operation as from the 1st April,
1930. The authorities of St. Patrick's Open Air School have opened a new school known as St.
Dominic's Open Air School, Godalming, Surrey and have decided to reserve St. Patrick's Open Air
School for girls only and St. Dominic's Open Air School for boys only. In the near future, therefore,
the Education Committee will be providing for the convalescence of 12 girls at St. Patrick's Open
Air School, Hayling Island and 4 boys at St. Dominic's Open Air School, Godalming, Surrey. The
children are selected both from the physically defective and the ordinary elementary schools and
the duration of stay is 6 weeks. All the cases sent have shewn a definite improvement on their
return home. In all 28 boys and 32 girls were admitted during the year.
Work of the Willesden Branch of the Invalid Children's Aid Association, 1929.—
92 children were referred by the Health Department to the Invalid Children's Aid Association for
convalescence. The majority of these were suffering from anaemia and debility. In addition, surgical
appliances were supplied to 30 children.
It is noteworthy that owing to the rapid expansion of the Willesden district, the work of the
Association is increasing. 160 new cases were referred as against 137 in 1928, whilst 112 children
were sent away for convalescence as compared with 101 in 1928.
The Association continues to do valuable work for the sick and crippled children in Willesden.
Stammering Children.—There are three classes for stammering children held twice weekly
at Wesley Road, Percy Road and Kensal Rise Schools and conducted by Mr. A. D. Bradfield. The
class at Percy Road consists of 10 boys and the classes at Wesley Road and Kensal Rise include both
boys and girls. Each class lasts one hour. Cases of stammering are referred to the Health Department
for examination by the Assistant Medical Officer as to their suitability for admission to the stammering
class.
SECONDARY AND TRADE SCHOOLS.
During the year the arrangement by which the medical staff of the Willesden Council carry
out the inspection of pupils attending Secondary and Trade Schools in Willesden on behalf of the
Middlesex County Council has continued.
747 examinations of secondary school pupils have been carried out during the year 1929.
339 defects were found amongst the scholars examined. No provision has been made for the
treatment of these defects, but the parents and Head Teachers are notified of them and are advised
as to the action to be taken.
The principal defects noted during routine medical inspection at Secondary and Trade Schools
are:—
Defective Vision.
Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids.
Dental Diseases.
Deformities.
In 1928 in Secondary and Trade Schools these conditions accounted for 91 per cent., while
in the Public Elementary Schools they accounted for 80 per cent. of the total defects referred for
treatment from routine medical inspection.
In 1928 at the Secondary and Trade Schools 30 per cent. of the pupils examined were referred
for treatment and 19.4 per cent. for observation, making a total of 49.4 per cent. referred for observation
or treatment of medical or dental defects.
In 1928 at the Public Elementary Schools 57 per cent. of the pupils examined were referred
for treatment and 7.6 per cent. for observation, making a total of 64.6 per cent. referred for observation
or treatment of medical or dental defects.
Some 6 per cent. of the pupils examined at Secondary and Trade Schools were referred for
treatment for defective vision as compared with 6.4 per cent. at the Public Elementary Schools;