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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 statiatical
requirements of the Department of Education and Science.
During 1972, periodic medical inspection of all schools
in the borough was carried out in the appropriate age groups, 4,992
children being examined.
The arrangements for periodic medical inspection are
summarised below:
On or immediately before entry to infant and nursery school
On entry to the junior school (selective examination)
On entry to the secondary school
During the year in which age fifteen is reached
(selective examination)
At the 8-year-old level, 758 children were selected for
examination out of a total of 1,000 children in this age group and
during the year in which age fiften is reached, 395 out of a total
of 1,008 were selected.
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 4,992 pupils inspected, 4,989 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 three children whose general condition was
deemed unsatisfactory consisted of one born in 1967, one in 1964 and
one in 1959.