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6
class when they start school. It is hoped to introduce such a class when
suitable accommodation can be found.
Audiology
The joint audiology service with the London Borough of Merton
continued to expand. A partial hearing nursery unit was opened in Merton
equipped with modern audiological teaching aids. Three Kingston children
were attending at the end of the year. A primary school extension is
contemplated.
Bedelsford School
The pattern of handicap at Bedelsford is changing. There has
been a reduction in the number of children with cerebral palsy but an
increase in the number of spina bifida and hydrocephalics, due to early
operation, and there were fifteen in attendance at the end of the year.
There was also a record number of fourteen children with muscular
dystrophy in attendance.
St.Pailip's School
The number of children attending increased, due to earlier
ascertainment, and many are entering the school at the age of five years.
Children who are not so advanced as other children of the same age, who
are educated with their equals, gain so much in confidence. They receive
an education geared to their abilities in the company of their equals. If
left in a normal school they rapidly drop more and more behind other
children and become discouraged, and other difficulties may then follow.
Health Education
Health Education was pursued in the schools throughout the year.
Details of this work will be found in the body of the report under Health
Education and Health Visiting.
Acknowledgments
Once again I acknowledge help and co-operation received from:
Family doctors and hospital staff
Staff of other statutory bodies
Volunteers and Voluntary Organisations in the borough
Chief Officers and their staffs and Head Teachers