London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Walthamstow 1939

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]

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"Home Education Scheme in Walthamstow.—The strict
ban on any grouping of children for formal lessons in the re-opened
schools made it impossible to carry out any really effective work
in Physical Education. Provision for organised games was made
on those playing fields and parks with suitable air raid protection
and within easy reach of the children's homes.
"With the provision of air raid protection and the re-opening
of certain schools, it has been most encouraging to note the pleasure
with which children have welcomed the opportunity of participating
once again in the joyous disciplined communal activity provided
by the Physical Training lesson. From the few classes already seen
at work, the need for an immediate resumption of systematic
corrective exercise is depressingly apparent.
'A healthy mind cannot inhabit an unhealthy body without
being affected by its sickness; a healthy body cannot house
an unhealthy mind without losing its strength: and an unhealthy
character cannot be the efficient partner of either.'
"Physical Training for the A.R.P. Services.—Physical
Training now forms part of the daily programme for the personnel
of all A.R.P. centres. Obviously the success, efficiency and
popularity of the work depends largely upon the services of qualified
teachers. There is no doubt that the teaching of Physical Training
and general opinions regarding the subject have suffered severely
from the kindly intentions of the uninformed amateur. A short
eight-week course for intending teachers and leaders has been
conducted at the Wm. Morris School, but these leaders still require
further considerable help and training to enable them to teach with
confidence and success.
"The upheavals of the past year have brought us into closer
contact with the Director of Education and his administrative staff,
to whom we offer our sincere thanks for their willing assistance
and cheery optimism during days of especial difficulty."

11. PROVISION OF MEALS.

(1) Mid-day Meals.—The number of meals was as follows:—

Year.Number of Children.Number of Meals.Average Meals per Child.
193979067,78885.8
193879794,990119.2
193780193,791117.1
193673291,133124.5

(2) Milk Meals.—Milk was supplied on medical grounds to
4,304 children on the recommendation of the medical staff after
the examination of children either at school or clinics, the total