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60
CLEANSING OF CHILDREN.
The state of cleanliness of the children, as revealed in
medical inspection, is the subject of comment on page 72
of this report.
As a result of long-continued spade-work on the part
of the School Nurse, Teachers and Doctors, considerable
improvement has been brought about in the condition of the
children.
It is now becoming uncommon to find grossly verminous
children attending school. During the year the Education
Committee, on the advice of the School Medical Officer, took
proceedings under Section 12 of the Children Act, 1908,
against a parent who had continually made default in this
respect. A fine of 40s. and costs was inflicted on the parent.
An account of this case will be found in Appendix B. of
this report.
Procedure under Section 12 of the Children Act, 1908,
is beset with difficulties. One has to prove that the
parent has committed a misdemeanour, and he may
demand to be tried before a jury at Quarter Sessions. Action
under this section should only be taken in cases of continued
default on the part of the parent. Section 122 of the Act
provides a more convenient mode of procedure. The
Education Committee during the year adopted a scheme of
action under Section 122 of the Act, and during the year a
revised scheme for dealing with verminous conditions was
put into force.
The School Nurse visits each school four times a year
for the purpose of inspecting the heads of all the children,
and the clothing as well where any verminous condition is
suspected. The condition as to cleanliness is also the subject
of examination in the course of routine medical inspection.
Information thus obtained from the Doctor or Nurse is made
the basis of subsequent action. Every child found *co be