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173
There are 8 children with spina bifida, 6 under five having been
admitted to the nursery class within the year. There are 32 children with
cerebral palsy, most of whom have multiple handicaps. As well as the obvious
physical disability they have speech, emotional and psychological difficulties,
also epilepsy. 9 boys and 1 girl suffering from muscular dystrophy attend
the school.
3 children have congenital cardiac conditions which it is hoped
will respond to surgery and enable them to go to normal school.
The whole approach to education and treatment is to emphasise
normality and where possible, it is the policy to encourage children to go
on to a normal school. Pupils, who because of their physical disability
cannot attend any other school, where suitable, will be prepared for the
Certificate of Secondary Education, and during the year 4 children were
integrated into ordinary schools.
In addition to the basic subjects pupils are given instruction
in the various crafts and domestic science. It must be remembered that
children so severely disabled, by necessity spend a great deal of time
having specialised treatment, including physiotherapy, speech therapy,
and visits to hospitals for various tests.
During the forthcoming year a large rebuilding programme will be
carried out to facilitate the work and accommodate a larger number of
children.
St.Philip's School for Educationally Subnormal Children
Fleetwood House. Leatherhead Road. Chessington
I am grateful to Mr.J.A.Ainley, Headmaster, for the following
report:
This school has on roll between 100 and 130 children aged five
to seventeen. The staff comprises 8 class teachers and a nursery
assistant who helps with the youngest age group. Speech therapy and
physiotherapy is provided in the school on a sessional basis, for those
children who need help.
It is a school with every advantage; pleasant buildings and
grounds, a teacher-pupil ratio of 1:16. It provides a secure family
atmosphere where children who have learning difficulties can spend the
whole of their school lives, unharassed by a sense of failure or by the
various pressures sometimes experienced in the main stream of education.
The timetable is flexible, based on practical and creative activities and