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102
Free milk was introduced at all schools at commencement
of Christmas term September 10th, 1946, and after this date
children were only permitted pint of milk per day.
All schools are now receiving their milk supply in ⅓ pint
bottles with straws.
The tables below shows the difference in the percentage of
children receiving milk since free milk was introduced.
Percentage of children receiving milk in February, 1946, before free milk was introduced Percentage of children receiving
milk in October, 1946, after free milk was introduced
64.77% 91.3%
PROVISION OF MEALS AT SCHOOLS.
The kitchen at Plaistow St. Mary's C. of E. School was
opened on October 1st, 1947, and about 80 children now dine at
this school daily.
The numbers of meals served in all school canteens have
increased steadily during 1946 increasing from a daily average
of 2,786 in January, 1946, to 3,445 in December, 1946.
The total number of meals served to children in 1946 in
Primary and Modern Schools was 601,871. This means that 73%
of the children attending now dine at school.
The increasing use made of the school meal is an important
factor in the better nutrition of the school child. The standard1
meal provided is a good one and well balanced. Care is also
taken in the cleanliness of preparation of the meal, but it is of
interest to note that a recent bacteriological investigation into
the bacterial content of the washing-up water, the drying
cloths and the dried utensils showed evidence of pathological
organisms. The importance of the alkalinity of the water, the
heat of the water, proper use of a fat detergent, and the importance
of heat drying after washing are factors that must be
closely watched in all cases of community feeding. The importance,
too, of personal cleanliness of those preparing the meal
cannot be too greatly stressed.
NURSERY SCHOOLS.
The extended War-Time Nursery Class at Burnt Ash County
Primary School reverted to the status of an ordinary Nursery
Class for thirty children under Ministry of Education Regulations
with effect on and from 10th September, 1946.
As a result of this there are now two Nursery Classes
forming part of Primary Schools in the Borough at
(1) Burnt Ash County Primary School; and
(2) Valley County Primary School.