Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wood Green]
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10.—PHYSICAL TRAINING.
Physical training in the schools is carried out under the direction
of the teachers, and there is no direct association with the School
Medical Service. It is directed and supervised by two special
organisers.
School Baths.
The attendances of school children at the Western Road Baths
during the year numbered 43,054 as compared with 47,121 in the
previous year, while those at the Open Air Bath on the Alexandra
Park Race Course were 7,036 as compared with 5,443 in 1934. The
attendances of school children at the Swimming Pool in Durnsford
Road numbered 24,237. From these figures it will be seen that
swimming is a very popular form of exercise among the children in
Wood Green. The number of certificates of proficiency in swimming
awarded to school children during the year was 1,763. Of this
number, 234—129 boys and 105 girls—were awarded certificates for
swimming 880 yards. These figures are very satisfactory and are a
testimony to the zeal of the Wood Green Sports Association, which
does so much to encourage swimming among the school children.
11.—PROVISION OF MEALS.
A hot mid-day meal is provided throughout the year at the
Feeding Centre in White Hart Lane for a number of children who
are found to be in need of such a provision. The children are, for
the most part, selected on economic grounds, and are usually
recommended by the teachers in the schools, or by members of the
Care Committee, although a number are recommended by myself
on medical grounds. The administration of the Feeding Centre is
in the hands of the Director of Education, and the food is served
and the children waited on at table by a number of ladies, most of
whom are members of the Care Committee. The dinners provided
are wholesome and nutritious, and the menu is revised from time
to time to prevent monotony in the meals.
The number of children receiving dinners at the Centre during
the year was 142, of whom 101 were fed free of charge, 38 for part
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