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105
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 1971 periodic medical inspection of all schools in
the borough was carried out in the appropriate age groups, 4,892
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, 603 children were selected for
examination out of a total of 1,690 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 4,892 pupils inspected, 4887 were deemed to be of
satisfactory general condition. This is a personal assessment by the
inspecting medical officer which takes into account general body countour
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 1967, two in 1966, one in 1960 and one in 1956.