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116
It is hoped to introduce a fourth periodic medical examination at the
age of 7—8 years and to try out the "selective" medical technique with
this age group. This will be in the way of a pilot scheme and if successful
could then be extended to other age groups.
During the year 1965, in Harrow the periodic inspections were carried
out as follows:—
(1) Entrants—on admission for the first time to school;
(2) Intermediates—during the first year of secondary school;
(3) Leavers—during last year at school.
Pupils who miss a medical inspection are automatically examined at
the next routine medical inspection arranged at the school. All children who
are found to have some defect or who require observation are seen again
(Re-inspections) as necessary, either at the school or by special appointment
at the school clinic. In addition to the routine school inspections,
arrangements are made to carry out Special Inspections of pupils, usually
at the request of a parent, doctor, nurse, teacher or other person.
The number of pupils inspected during the year at maintained schools
was as follows:—
Periodic inspections 5,348
Special inspections 1,376
Re-inspections 1,092
Tables IV and V show the number of defects found at both periodic
medical inspections and special inspections and the number of individual
children found to require treatment or observation.
General Condition of Children Inspected
An estimate of the child's physical condition at the time of the
inspection is made and the children classified as follows:—
(a) Satisfactory:
Number 5,336
Percentage 99.8
(b) Unsatisfactory:
Number 12
Percentage 0.2
PERSONAL HYGIENE
Selective inspections totalling 24,968 were made by school nurses or
health assistants to determine the cleanliness and general state of health
of pupils. The number of children found to be infested with nits or head
lice was 122. Cleansing notices under Section 54 (2) Education Act 1944,
were issued in respect of 39 pupils. No cleansing orders under Section
54 (3) were required during the year.