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136
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 1970 periodic medical inspection of all schools in
the borough was carried out in the appropriate age groups, 5857
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
At the 8-year-old level, 583 children were selected for
examination out of a total of 1585 children in this age group.
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 5857 pupils inspected, 5852 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 five children whose general condition was
deemed unsatisfactory consisted of one born in 1965, one in 1964 and
three in 1962.