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This system has already been adopted and has given excellent
results in several schools for the deaf and the new Government
transistor aids to be issued to children at deaf schools will all
incorporate the Loop Receiver.
The systems so far installed have been supplied by commercial
firms and it is not known when and if a Government transmitter,
as distinct from the receivers, will be produced. Judging by the
delays which have arisen over the production of the Government
transistor aids, any further development may take a considerable
time.
It is anticipated that suitable transistor aids incorporating the
Loop Receiver will be issued to children attending deaf schools
fairly early in 1959 and it was recommended that three commercial
transmitters be obtained at a cost of approximately £60/£70 each so
that three classes can be equipped with the Loop system.
There is already installed one Group Aid suitable for the senior
class but this is a fixed aid necessitating the use of head-phones
plugged in to the child's desk and is unsuitable for young children.
The Loop system, on the other hand, allows children to move
about in the class and even in the playground and still clearly hear
the teacher's voice. The teacher also can move freely, within the
limits of a long lead (suspended from the ceiling) and can move
among the class and demonstrate on the blackboard, etc.
(b) School for the Educationally Sub-normal.—Miss R. E. A.
Lock, Headmistress of the Margaret Brearley School, reports as
follows :—
"The number on roll has averaged 100 throughout the year.
"During the night of March 30th, fire broke out in the roof
of the school. Three classrooms and part of the hall were severely
damaged.
"Accordingly we were obliged to move the children to another
school in the Borough. We were received with so much kindness
by the Head and staff that emotional upsets were minimised,
although the children hated the thought that "their" school was
burned.
"By Herculean efforts on the part of Architects and building
operatives, we were able to return to our own premises at the
beginning of September to the obvious delight of the children.
"I offer my grateful thanks to all who helped during what was
undoubtedly a very bad break.
"London University Diploma (E.S.N.) students have continued
to use the school for observation purposes during the year.
"The health of the children has been well maintained during
the year."