View report page

63
Junior Training Centre
The junior centre provides for the needs of children between
five and sixteen years of age. During 1967 it has been possible for
the first time to admit some four year olds, and it is hoped to extend
this provision as far as facilities permit in 1968.
For the younger children emphasis is placed on simple toilet
training and social awareness, proceeding to identification of familiar
symbols associated with social situations. Towards adolescence formal
tuition and more advanced social training are begun.
Adult Workshops
The adult centre is equipped with workshops, domestic science
and social training facilities. The extension to the workshops has made
it possible for the adult and junior centres to function as completely
separate units and one additional workshop supervisor to be engaged for
1968. The workshops are run as far as possible on industrial lines and
special contracts for assembly work have been obtained from local light
engineering firms. In total, contracts to the value of £1,000 were
earned by the trainees over the year. Trainees also carry out domestic
work such as catering and laundry at the centre, and receive social
training which includes outings to shops.
The Staff of the Centre
At the end of 1967 the staff consisted of one supervisor, five
assistant supervisors, three adult workshops supervisors and three guide/
assistants, who combined coach duties with domestic duties. During the
year five students were seconded to the centre for six weeks practical
training from the National Association for Mental Health Training School
and Chiswick Polytechnic.
A physiotherapist attends for two sessions each week and a speech
therapist for four sessions each week. Hearing tests on children suspected
of deafness were also carried out at the centre by an audiometrician.
Physiotherapy
Twelve children have received regular physiotherapy at the
centre during the year. Treatment was given for severe disablement due
to cerebral palsy, for serious and less serious postural defects, and for
general re-education in walking.