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TO THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present the sixth annual report of the
School Health Service of the London Borough of Bromley.
The health of Bromley school children has been satisfactory
and there have been several "firsts" in the School Health Services
which are commented on in greater detail later in the report. This
has been the first year during which school entrants have been
offered a sweep audiometer test of hearing; it has been the first
complete academic year in their new premises at St. Paul's Wood
Hill for the School Psychological Service; and towards the end of
the year Rubella (German Measles) Vaccination was offered for
the first time in the School Health immunisation programme.
Handicapped Children Service
A total of 86 boys and girls were assessed as in need of special
education because of handicap. A table sets out details of these
handicaps. The need for a new school for physically handicapped
remains a top priority, and so it is hoped that financial stringency
will not delay this very vital requirement. Primarily for the needs
of one section of handicapped children suffering from cerebral
palsy, requiring rather close hospital supervision and currently
provided at the Phoenix Centre, a new centre at Farnborough
Hospital with the support of the voluntary Spastic Society is under
construction and will be of great assistance. This report further
indicates the detailed interest of the Department of Education and
Science nationally in the unmet medical and educational needs of
each handicapped child. A report on the situation in the London
Borough of Bromley has been forwarded to the Department.
School Psychological Service
The report emphasises the excellent relationship of this service
with all Departments in the Borough. It is particularly important
that there should be good personal contacts and communication
between Educational Psychologists and the Medical Officers in
Department and Health Visitors in the School Health Service.
It will be important in the future to establish and maintain in
addition equally good contacts with officers in the new Social Service
Department of the Authority. The School Psychological Service
works in close harmony with the Child Guidance Service. The
report of Dr. Rodriguez indicates yet again some lack of treatment
facilities. The Establishment now includes an approved post for