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At the age of sixteen years the pupils transfer to the adult
centre, with wprkshops and domestic science and social training room.
The workshops are run as far a3 possible like a factory, and special
contracts for assembly out work have been obtained from local light
engineering firms. These contracts are broken down into different
stages of varying complexity so that every trainee can contribute to
the completed part to the best of his or her ability. Trainees are
paid for the work they do on a points basis, these being awarded for
aptitude, output, social behaviour and attendance. Most of the
trainees are so handicapped that they are most likely always to need
some form of protected employment, but one young man managed to obtain
normal employment during the year and it is hoped he will be the first
of many. It is hoped to obtain a time clock for the trainees as a
further incentive to a work situation, at some future date.
Social and domestic training is also carried out for all the
trainees. The young ladies in particular are responsible for all the
laundry for the centre, including ironing. They prepare and serve
staff teas and their own, and lay the staff and pupils' tables. They
learn the care of their hair, personal hygiene, bed making etc.
Cookery lessons are held twice weekly, which concentrate on the simple
skills, with cooking of simple breakfasts and dinners. Trainees®
education is continued with outings to shops, where they are responsible
for their own purchases and giving and receiving correct change.
The Staff of the Junior Centre
This consisted of one supervisor and six assistant supervisors,
together with three guide/assistants, who combine coach duties with
domestic duties. Where necessary, social work on behalf of the
families of children attending the centre is undertaken by a social
worker. During the year two students were seconded to the centre from
the National Association for Mental Health Training School for practical
training for a period of six weeks each. The adult centre is staffed
by three workshop supervisors.
A physiotherapist attends for two sessions each week and a
speech therapist for four sessions each week.
Outings
A combined outing for juniors and adults was arranged by the
Kingston Voluntary Association in June to the Salvation Army playing
fields. In addition, the juniors went to Bertram Mills Circus in
November and the adults went to the Royal Tournament and the Wembley Ice
Show. Sixteen children went to a summer holiday camp at Pirates Spring,
by arrangement with the Surrey County Council. Activities in the centre
included a harvest festival service in September, The Reverend E.M.
Pi Ikington officiating. Produce collected was sent the next day, to
various Homes in the district.
A Christmas play and carol singing was also undertaken by the
pupils of the training centre.