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The attendances at the routine dental inspections were not so good,
only 43 per cent. of the parents attending. The attendance of
parents, particularly at the medical inspections is of great assistance
to the medical officers as it enables them to get first-hand information
as to the child's previous health, and also makes it easy to direct
the attention of parents to defects found present, and to the treatment
indicated. The parents are generally grateful for the advice given,
and ready to act on it, and there is no doubt that the success of the
school medical service depends largely on their willing co-operation.
(b) Of Teachers.
From the teachers in the schools we also receive active cooperation.
Without their interest and help our work would lose
much of its effect, and would not proceed so smoothly and quietly
as it does. The head teachers show themselves keenly interested
in the school medical work, and I am glad to be able again to express
my thanks to them for their assistance. I am indebted also to the
School Attendance Officers for their co-operation at all times.
(c) Or Voluntary Bodies.
Of the voluntary bodies whose activities are of value to the
School Medical Service, the chief is the Juvenile Organisations
Committee. This Committee's most striking activity is the
organisation and running of the Children's Holiday Camp at
Dymchurch to which I have referred above. Other valuable activities
comprise the running of gymnasia, clubs for indoor and outdoor
sports, and dancing classes for school children, all of them of very
definite benefit to the children and young people taking advantage
of them.
Mention should also be made of the Boot and Clothing Fund
raised and administered by the Care Committee which supplies
boots and clothing to necessitous children in the schools.
I have also to record my indebtedness to the Tottenham Deanery
Council for Moral Welfare for the assistance received from its
representative in connection with difficult cases whose moral welfare
has required special supervision, and to the National Society for
Prevention of Cruelty to Children for the assistance of its inspector
in dealing with an occasional difficult parent.
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