London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Kingston upon Thames 1935
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kingston-upon-Thames]
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76
A number of the children are admitted suffering from
undeveloped speech and showing symptoms of mental retardation.
In nearly every case as the speech improves a
corresponding improvement is noticed in the general mental
condition. The psychological effect also is very marked.
A child suffering from retarded speech often appears shy,
sullen, and sometimes spiteful because he feels at a disadvantage,
but as his speech develops he learns to take his
place among other children on an equal footing. Parents
often attend the clinic to see their children receiving treatment,
so that they may help the children to carry out the
treatment at home.
The teachers also show a great interest in the work
and very helpful co-operation is always to be had from
both schools and homes."
OPEN AIR DAY SCHOOL.
The Special School for Physically Defective and delicate children was fully described in the Annual Report for 1931.
| No. on register December, 1934 | 37 |
| No. admitted during 1935 | 13 |
| No. transferred to ordinary schools | 11 |
| No. left School | 7 |
| No. on register December, 1935 | 32 |
It is satisfactory to note that as stated above eleven
children were rendered fit to return to ordinary Public
Elementary Schools.
The children receive morning and afternoon milk, the
cost of which in necessitous cases is met by a voluntary
fund.
A midday hot meal is provided at a charge of 4d., or
less, and any financial loss has been met out of a voluntary
fund.