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134
Periodic Medical Inspection
The figures given in this and all other sections of the
report relate to schools as classified by the Education Act, 1944, and
are, broadly speaking, in accordance with the statistical requirements
of the Department of Education and Science.
During 1965 periodic medical inspection of all schools in
the borough was carried out in the appropriate age groups, 5,716
children being examined.
The present arrangements for periodic medical inspection
are summarised below:
On entry to infant and nursery schools;
On entry to the junior school;
On entry to the secondary school;
During the year in which age fifteen
is reached;
During the year prior to leaving school
(if more than one year after last
routine inspection).
In addition to these complete medical examinations, the
hearing of every child in an infants' school or department is tested
at the age of six years (approximately) by a pure tone audiometer, and
secondary school pupils aged thirteen are given an additional eye test.
Those whose hearing or vision is found to be subnormal are referred for
audiometric or ophthalmic examination and treatment as appropriate.
General Condition as Recorded at Periodic Inspection
Of the 5,716 pupils inspected, 5,705 were deemed to be of
satisfactory general condition. This is a personal assessment by the
inspecting medical officer which takes into account general body contour
and covering, general muscle tone, facial complexion, appearance of
mucous membranes and eyes, posture, alertness and poise. In modern
times it is more common to find pupils who are over nourished rather than
underweight. Obesity has many disadvantages in school life, as well as
carrying increased risk to normal health in later years. In most cases
obesity is preventable or can be cured, and merits more serious
consideration by parents and teachers than is usually given. The 11
children whose general condition was deemed unsatisfactory consisted of
5 born in 1960, 1 in 1959, 1 in 1957 and 4 in 1954.