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12
The classification of children singled out at nutritional surveys
from the whole of the scholars at each school inspected for more
detailed examination was as follows:—
" A" "B " "c" "D."
62 662 827 53
These numbers are, of course, additional to the classification
following medical inspection (C.849 and D.58), the total (i.e., at
medical inspection and nutritional surveys) under group "C" being
1,676, or 10.9 of the children in average attendance during 1936,
and under Group "D" 111, or 0.7 of the average attendance.
The School Medical Inspectors report as follows:—
Dr. Broderick.—"The assessment of children at medical
inspection into the four groups, 'A,' 'B,' 'C,' 'D,' presents at times
some difficulty as these classifications of nutrition shade imperceptably
one into the other, but generally a good estimate can be
formed on clinical grounds and by noting the general appearance,
alertness and muscular tone of the child.
"Children in 'C' (slightly subnormal) and 'D' (bad) groups are
kept under close observation to see how their physique and general
condition can be improved.
"Children receiving milk and, in necessitous cases, free dinners
show greater vigour and spirit and are better able to benefit from
the physical training now given in the schools.
"But food is not all; adequate sleep, good housing and fresh
air play an important part.
''The teachers take a very active interest in the nutrition and
well-being of the child and willingly co-operate with the school
medical staff.
"Our schools to-day are tending more and more to be centres
of health and happiness.
''It may be confidently stated that gradual and steady progress
has taken place during the past year in the nutrition of our school
children."
Dr. Clarke.—"Although one can, I think, state with assurance
that the standard of nutrition in our elementary schools is steadily
improving, there are, unfortunately, still a number of children
suffering from subnutrition due to faulty diet.