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125
additional training course. We wish them both well, and appreciate
their contribution to the work here. So far replacements have not
been obtained as there is such a shortage of people in these professions.
We are, however, particularly happy to welcome Miss
Ballantine as a full-time remedial teacher, who was formerly with
us during her student training. The remaining staff have been very
fully extended. A good deal of work is involved in taking over the
case load of departing colleagues, which includes parents and
children who have learned to expect help from the Clinic. This has
meant that there has had to be some curtailment of our plans, e.g.
to provide freer access for parents to the Clinic. Sometimes they
have been disappointed, having to wait, or come another time.
We are very much occupied at present with the problems of
autistic children, a number of whom are seen here. We now have
hopes of a Day Centre, for which premises have already been found,
being opened in the area as soon as suitable staff can be found.
This, more than anything else, will relieve parents of a very heavy
burden, while enabling the children to continue to live in their own
homes.
Although the pressure of work, number of new referrals, etc.
has increased, we have maintained our practice of regular case
conferences, to which visitors are welcomed.
Recently we have again discussed our need for increased
accommodation, and are particularly grateful to the Medical and
Educational Departments of the Local Authority for their understanding
and helpfulness, in this and all other matters. In April
We look forward to functioning in the independent Borough of
Redbridge, when we shall have the great advantage of being in
personal contact with the Authorities."
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICE.
Miss B. S. Gascoyne and Miss C. Helen Watt, Educational Psychologists,
report as follows:—
"During the past year we have started to make prepatations,
in conjunction with neighbouring school psychological services
concerned with the Greater London scheme, for the amalgamation
of the areas which will form the new Redbridge 3orough in April
1965. In September, Miss Gascoyne was able to begin visiting the
relevant schools in Woodford, Wanstead and Chigwell, so already