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(2) That there is abundant material to be worked upon in a Child
Guidance Clinic by a full clinic team.
The Psychologist then concerned herself with remedial measures
to deal with backwardness in schorl subjects. This included
(1) Grading of children according to attainment in school subjects,
i.e., according to reading age etc., so as to make group teaching
possible,
(2) Discussion of suitable teaching methods for dull, nervous and
apathetic children, with the teachers concerned,
N.B. The progress of one such grades group is recorded in appendix,
''Meantime on June 30th 1943, Miss M. Russell was appointed part
time Social Worker, and the work of investigating and modifying home
environment could begin.
''The Psychologist was then able to deal with individual problems
in afternoon sessions at the Clinic. She undertook remedial teaching
in Reading and Arithmetic of completely non-reading children reported
by their teachers as unteachable. The first two cases she undertook
are now reading simple books. Some children were found to be so
discouraged and undeveloped mentally that a direct attack on the
foundations of reading and arithmetic was impossible, and confidence
was nourished by free play sessions. This treatment was followed by
a play-approach to reading and in every case positive results have
been achieved,
"In the afternoon sessions at the clinic the Psychologist also
gave tests of Intelligence to children so retarded scholastically as
to warrant examination for mental deficiency.
"Finally on September 7th 1943, we were able to start our full
time clinic sessions after the appointment of Dr. N.H.Bore, B.A.,
M.R.C.S.,L.R.C.P., as Psychiatrist. At first these were held
fortnightly and later, from November 23rd a full clinic session was
held every week. Dr. Bore's work at first was entirely diagnostic
and administrative but it quickly became evident that there were cases
needing play therapy which she has now undertaken. A joint
conference occurs at the end of every session in which we have
welcomed the co-operation of the Director of Education the School
Medical Officer, the assistant School Medical Officers, the probation
Officer and others. A monthly assessment of cases takes place when
the progress of treatment is considered and cases closed or considered
for further treatment. At these sessions the Psychologist and Social
22.