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recorded, are not unduly stressed at the time, for it is considered
undesirable to instil the idea that the purpose of the examination is
only to uncover faults and failings, a notion destructive both to the
ego of the pupil and the confidence of the parent. Instead, the parent
is invited to attend subsequently, by appointment, with the child, at
a school health clinic where the special defect is discussed with the
object of remedial treatment.
Whenever indicated, a brief discussion with the parent follows
the examination on any problem relevant to the health or well-being
of the child, and advice is proffered to the head teacher in regard to
the pupil's further education, with special reference to matters either
of conduct or instruction elucidated by the consultation.
Arrangements are made for every pupil to be inspected at
least three times during his school life, firstly as soon as possible
after admission, secondly during the last year of attendance at a
primary school, and thirdly during the last year at a secondary school.
The medical records compiled are of great value during the
pupil's school life, and the information contained therein is often a
deciding factor in determining the vocation of a boy 01 girl on
leaving school.
School Health Clinics.
As already observed, children with special defects are referred
for examination at the school health clinics at Church Road Clinic
for the convenience of persons resident in the north part of the
borough, the Town Hall Annexe Clinic for the central and south
residents, and at North Woolwich. Cases are also referred by the
head teachers of the schools or brought directly by the parents.
Minor ailments are competently treated at the clinic by the
skilled school nurses under the direction of the medical officer, and
the institution of a general dispensary has greatly broadened the base
and enhanced the value of this work.
More serious diseases or disabilities are dealt with in two ways:
(i) by reference to a specialist clinic, and
(ii) by reference to a hospital for consultation and treatment if
necessary.