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143
This report has been compiled by many contributors to whom
I wish to express my appreciation and thanks. The collation of
this report, as well as the detailed day to day administration of the
School Health Service, has been carried out by Dr. Carter-Locke,
Senior Medical Officer, with the help of the senior administrative
staff, to them again I express my appreciation and thanks.
In conclusion, I wish to thank the Chairman and members of
the Committee for supporting throughout the year various schemes
for the consolidation and improvement of the service, the Chief
Education Officer, his staff and the Heads of Schools for their
valuable advice and assistance in the execution of these schemes,
and my staff generally for their diligence and industry throughout
the year.
L. R. L. EDWARDS,
Principal School Medical Officer
SCHOOL HEALTH
There are 35 secondary (including 2 direct grant) and 81
primary schools in the Borough; also 3 special schools catering
for the educationally subnormal children.
In January, 1967, there were 41,917 pupils on the registers of
the maintained primary, secondary and special schools.
The year 1966 was the first in which the consolidated scheme
for undertaking Routine Medical Inspections at schools was
operative throughout the twelve months.
It would be unrealistic not to admit teething troubles, but
there can be no doubt that the difficulties experienced were much
less formidable than feared. That such a satisfactory state of
affairs now exists is due not only to the efforts of the staff of the
Health and Welfare Department, but also to the happy relations
which exist between the School Health Section, the Education
Department and the Head Teachers of the Schools in the Borough.
Many combined operations have taken place, particularly fruitful
having been the first discussions on the whole field of "Handicaps"
in children.
Routine Medical Inspections are now carried out on all pupils
in the following age groups:— Entrants to Infants' Schools; at
10 years of age and at 14 years old. In addition, at 8 years of age
pupils are given routine tests of vision and hearing only. A full
medical examination is however, undertaken at this stage if for
any reason it appears necessary.
If at any time during a child's school career the Head Teacher.
Parent or Doctor is concerned about the health of a particular