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The children are taught elementary 3R work, basic social training
and simple sewing and cooking. Swimming lessons are also included in
the curriculum. Coach transport is provided to take the children to and
from the school during term times, which correspond with other schools
in the area.
Opportunities are given for the parents to visit the school and discuss
any problems they may have with the respective members of staff and
also any other problems with the Principal Medical Officer and social
workers concerned. Open days are held regularly and these are well
supported by the parents.
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government Consent to
Borrowing was received in November to the Special Care unit being
extended and work on this project commenced on 30th December, 1970.
When completed the unit will be able to cater for a further 12 children.
As from 1st April, 1971, in accordance with the Education (Handicapped
Children) Act 1970, the Junior Training School will be transferred
to the Director of Education's Department, and in this connection
discussions were taking place with that Department at the end of the
year to ensure that the transition may be smoothly effected.
Harrow Adult Training Centre
This purpose built establishment which was erected in 1969 opened
for the reception of mentally handicapped persons on 5th January, 1970.
It provides accommodation for 120 persons and is built on part of a 5 acre
site acquired by the Council for the re-location of industry and is planned
as part of a larger project for flatted factories and it is envisaged that
eventually some of the industrial work activitity on the estate, such as
simple assembly work and finishing processes might be suitable for the
trainess to do at the centre.
The Council's Department of Architecture and Planning designed
the building which was erected at a gross cost of £136,000. It was officially
opened on 25th March, 1970, by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen
Mother who after a tour of inspection signed the Distinguished Visitors
Book and unveiled a commemorative plaque.
The building consists of two workshops, a carpentry shop, a concrete
casting bay and a greenhouse. All the workshops are fully equipped for
different skills, which are practised and the trainees are responsible for the
cleanliness and tidiness of their own workshop but domestic staff are
employed for the remainder of the building. There is also a domestic
science unit, where simple domestic lessons are carried out and a physical
education teacher is employed on a sessional basis to give P.E. classes. A
chiropodist visits the centre in a voluntary capacity to attend to the
trainees feet.