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alternative indoor accommodation is available in inclement weather,
when the importance of exercise during school hours is doubly
important, there being little probability of exercise after school
hours.
"The halls were not always reserved and were frequently
encumbered with many pictures, cupboards, odd chairs, desks and
ornaments, all of which occupied valuable floor and wall space,
and made thorough cleaning difficult. In three schools part of the
hall was being regularly used as a classroom.
"Apparatus.—The schools had been generously supplied with
apparatus, which, on the whole, had been kept in good condition.
"Dancing.—The time allowed for Dancing in the Senior Girls'
Schools was satisfactory, but this subject was sometimes omitted
altogether from the time-table in Infant and Junior Schools. The
standard of Folk Dancing was good, but other types of dancing
should be attempted in all schools, especially in Infant Schools
where Country Dancing is considered too difficult.
"Open-Air Work.—The value of work in the open air was
under-estimated, lessons frequently being taken unnecessarily
indoors. This was especially the case in the Infants' Schools.
"Playgrounds.—Many of the Walthamstow schools were built
before the full importance of an adjoining playing field, plus a
large and regular playground, was recognised, and consequently
many of the playgrounds are too small to allow free and unhampered
movement for the large classes of children which use them.
"Playing Fields.—In a crowded area, and especially where
playgrounds are small, the value of one period a week on grass in
an open space for every child in the Senior Schools, and, if possible,
for the top classes in the Junior Schools, cannot be over-estimated.
"On the accepted basis of allowing one acre of playing field
for each hundred senior children, approximately 70 acres are needed
in Walthamstow. This makes no allowance for infant and junior
children, and if the school leaving age is raised, still more land
will be required.
"At the present time there are only five fields available for
use by school children. Three of the five fields are hired by clubs,
etc., resulting in the closure of two of the fields to school children
on Fridays and in the marking of the pitches, in size and choice
of game, suitably for adults and not for children of 14 years and
under.