View report page

153
Six children in the Borough come into this category and five local
schools were involved. It is pleasing to report that all of these children
were progressing satisfactorily in their schools.
Children "At Risk" of Developing a Handicap
The problems associated with the rearing and education of a handicapped
child are manifold—so much so that, the earlier observation and
advice, and even treatment, can be instituted, the better the end result for
the child and very often for the parent as well. The whole exercise must
be a combined operation between parent, general practitioner, specialist,
local health authority and school health service personnel.
Registers of children who, because of some handicap may require
special education at a later date, have been kept for some time now. The
recently-instituted scheme for the notification to the Registrar General of
any malformations observed at the time of birth, plus the information
from the "At Risk" registers maintained of children who though apparently
normal are at risk of developing some handicap because of some adverse
factor during pre-natal, peri-natal or post natal life, will all help towards
this aim of early diagnosis and treatment.
Day Nurseries—Admission of Handicapped Children
In order to help in the work of rehabilitation of handicapped children,
admission to a day nursery is arranged in certain cases.
The classes of handicapped children for whom these arrangements
apply are as follows
(1) Deaf and partially hearing children for whom continuation of
auditory training in a hearing, and therefore, talking environment
is advised;
(2) Maladjusted children for whom absence from the home environment
for some time daily is considered advisable;
(3) Partially-sighted children whose need for training and companionship
should be met in a sheltered environment;
(4) Children over the age of one year of deaf and dumb mothers.
The cost of attendance is borne by the Education Committee under
Section 56 of the Education Act 1944, for children over the age of two
years. Those under two years of age are dealt with under Section 22 of
the National Health Service Act 1946. No charge is made to the parents
of either category.
Two children from class 1 were admitted to a day nursery during 1970.