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162
SPECIAL DAY SCHOOLS FOR EDUCATIONALLY
SUBNORMAL CHILDREN
Goddington School, Orpington
The present roll stands at 126. During 1966, 26 children were
admitted to the school, 21 children left the school and of these:—
2 left to enter employment. Both continue working happily.
3 left the district.
3 were transferred to ordinary schools.
4 were transferred to residential special schools.
1 was transferred to another day special school.
8 were found to be unsuitable for education at school and
entered the Orpington Training Centre.
Two members of staff have left during the year, one moved
to Bristol for domestic reasons, and one joined the staff of the
new special school in Essex as Deputy Headmaster.
The medical work at the school continues on well established
lines, the School Medical Officer playing her part as a member of
the team. The routine medical inspections, B.C.G. vaccinations,
etc., are only a part of the work. During 1966 eight children had
"special" medical examinations, being put forward by the Headmaster
on medical or social grounds. 39 children were fully
re-assessed including the complete psychometric examination.
The day to day medical care is given by the Welfare Assistant
who has years of experience, full nursing qualifications and the
informal status of the School Nurse. The School Nurse takes the
children to the Ophthalmic and Dental Clinics and often for
consultant hospital appointments.
The school is operating the full range of activities. The
physical side of development has been given full attention and it
is pleasing to record that the weekly attendance at Beckenham
Baths under the direction of the Deputy Head Teacher, Mrs.
Shorrock, has resulted in two-thirds of the senior children now
being able to swim.
The school is now in its third year of existence and is producing
an increasing number of school leavers. Much effort, therefore,
has to be directed into preparing the senior boys and girls for
entering employment and the complex conditions of the adult
world. Many visits to the places of interest were made, e.g. the
Science Museum, Kensington; the trip down the Thames to
Greenwich; Chessington Zoo and smaller excursions to interesting
localities in the area. The visit to the Biggin Hill R.A.F. Station
where the children were entertained by the Officers' wives was
generally acclaimed as most successful.
On the employment side the senior boys and girls have been
visiting local factories, large shops, bakeries, etc. The Principal