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134
Periodic Medical Inspection
The figures given in this and all other sections of the report
relate to schools as classified by the Education Act, 1944 and are,
broadly speaking, in accordance with the statistical requirements of
the Department of Education and Science.
During 1969 periodic medical inspection of all schools in
the borough was carried out in the appropriate age groups, 6,113
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 (selective examinations)
On entry to the secondary school
During the year in which age fifteen is reached
During the summer term the scheme of selective medical
examinations of eight year olds was extended to all junior and primary
schools, 768 children being selected for examination.
In addition to these complete medical examinations, the
hearing of every child is tested at the age of six and eleven years
(approximately) by a pure tone audiometer. Secondary school pupils
aged thirteen and sixteen plus 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 Conditions as Recorded at Periodic Inspection
Of the 6,113 pupils inspected, 6,111 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 two children whose general condition was deemed unsatisfactory
consisted of one born in 1964 and one in 1957.