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21
MARGARET BREARLEY SCHOOL FOR THE EDUCATIONALLY SUB-NORMAL.
Mr. L.F. Green, B.Sc., Headmaster, reports as follows:-
"The population of the school, apart from one Ilford pupil,
consists entirely of Walthamstow children. At the end of the year
the school had 96 children on roll.
"This year has been marked by increased co-operation with
parents and with the various officers who also assist our children.
Mrs. Leach S.R.N., has given valuable assistance to the school by
regular checks on hygiene etc., and the various clinics have
continued to provide help for our children, showing a real under
standing of their special problems. Despite the efforts of
individual officers however, some of our problem families still
constitute a serious challenge.
" Dr. Poole now visits the school on the first Monday of the
month to carry out routine medicals and to discuss any medical
problems which arise. This has been a most valuable innovation.
" The general equipment of the school continues to improve.
Visits to factories and places of interest have played an
important part in our educational programme. Visits to factories
have resulted in the placement of at least one pupil. Other visits
have been made to R.O.S.P.A. House, Fire Station, Shoeburyness,
Museums, St. Pauls, the Zoo, Epping Forest, Bertram Mills Circus.
The highlight was undoubtedly a visit to the House of Commons with
Alderman E. Redhead, M.P., as a most sympathetic guide.
" Interest in the work of Special Schools has been reflected
by the number of visitors to the school. These have included the
Mayor and Mayoress of Walthamstow, teachers in training. Psycho
logists, medical officers, Student Health Visitors, and specially
welcome were colleagues from other schools in Walthamstow.
" In order for our work to be effective it is necessary to
have the whole hearted support of the parents. There are signs
that this is increasing. Parents are always welcome in the school
and in the past year, the parents of at least 70 children have
been seen by the Head Teacher and respective class teachers.
"Outstanding activities during the year have included a
Swimming Gala and Sports Day in conjunction with other Special
Schools in Walthamstow.
"Of the 16 children who left during the year, two were
transferred to the Loughton Training Centre at the request of
their parents whilst the rest were placed in some form of employment.
Some leavers have done exceedingly well.