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the survey, were appended. This investigation revealed the fact
that a number of children were suffering from speech defect of a
degree which required more or less prolonged treatment and training,
and although it had been possible to arrange for the attendance
of a very few children at St. Thomas's Hospital! Speech Centre it
was obvious that the majority of these children were unlikely to
obtain treatment. At the request of the Education Committee a
census was taken of the children in the Borough suffering from
definite speech defect, for whom treatment and training were of
importance. As a result 46 cases of this type were reported upon
and, arising out of the report, it was decided that the formation
of a Speech Centre or Class should receive early consideration.
A suggestion was put forward that it might be possible to set
free a classroom at High Street School for the training of these
children, but no further development has taken place in regard to
the matter.
(c) Places of Medical Inspection.
The work of medical inspection is carried out during
school hours and on school premises in every case, and disturbance
of school arrangements is reduced to a minimum.
5. FINDINGS OF MEDICAL INSPECTIONS.
The following comparative table serves to indicate the definite
tendency towards a reduction in the number of physically defective
children in the schools. To a certain degree the reduction in the
percentage of children found to require treatment is only apparent
and, in reviewing the figures, we must not overlook the fact that
the Local Authority is arranging for the treatment each year of a
larger number of physically defective children in institutions, residential
schools and schools of recovery. Unfortunately, a large
majority of the defects found have had their inception before the
children have reached school age and, in many cases, the defect is
of such a nature that definite cure is impossible, and all that can be
expected is to check its progress. Obviously, under these circumstances,
the discovery of physical defects in school " leavers " will
not be eliminated until a more systematic medical supervision of the
pre-school child is introduced.