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123
back, with instructions to report as to returning
to the medal system prevailing up to 4th
February, 1908.
The medal regulations now in force permit only four
absences or late attendances during the year without
loss of medal. Cases, however, frequently occur in
which, in the interests of the health of the individual
child and of the school, it is important that a child
should, through no fault of its own, be absent
from school for a short period.
It will, therefore, be seen that the administration of the
medal scheme is becoming increasingly difficult.
Many absences of a wholly unavoidable nature
occur, and the Council is being seriously hampered
in the discharge of its duties in respect of caring
for the health of the children by the existence
of regulations which we regard as antiquated.
In all the circumstances we are strongly of opinion
that the medal scheme should now be abolished.
We have informed the Finance Committee of our
proposals, and we recommend That, as from 1st
August, 1910, the award of attendance medals be
discontinued; and that the scheme governing such
award be abolished."
I regret to say that the recommendation was not carried
by the Council, and the matter was referred back to the
Education Committee.
On my recommendation a letter was sent to the London
County Council supporting the recommendation of the Education
Committee; asking the other Metropolitan Borough
Councils to take simitar action; and the members of the