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138
During 1966 periodic medical inspection of all schools in the
borough was carried out in the appropriate age groups, 6,701 children
being examined.
The 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).
The Committee agreed to a trial in three junior schools next
year, using questionnaires for parents and teachers, with a view to
commencing selective medicals for all children in this age group.
During the trial period all children will be examined.
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 6701 pupils inspected, 6695 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 6
children whose general condition was deemed unsatisfactory consisted of
3 born in 1961, 1 in 1960, 1 in 1955 and 1 in 1951.