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dren attending the public elementary schools. My object in
so doing was to ascertain the necessity or otherwise for the
provision of special schools. The Wimbledon Education Committee
in 1905 established a school for mentally defective
children, but there are no special schools for physically defective
children, for children suffering from Tuberculosis ("openair")
schools, for debilitated children and those recovering
from serious illness ("recovery" schools), or for children falling
within the meaning of the Elementary Education (Blind
and Deaf Children) Act, 1893.
The object (as stated above) of making this census, and
the method in which it was carried out must be carefully borne
in mind in reading this section of my Report. I asked the
Head Teachers to prepare a list of all abnormal children who,
in their opinion, would be suitable for such special schools, if
provided. I then visited the classrooms and picked out such
of the scholars as appeared to be " below par." No strict
medical examination was made of the scholars selected by the
teachers and myself, but enquiry was confined to present health,
previous illnesses, home conditions, and scholastic attainments.
The results can only be regarded as approximately correct
for the purpose stated and must not be accepted as accurate
figures for the conditions specified.
It might be considered that more accurate results would
be obtained from the scholars' medical record cards or from
the cards at the "Inspection" Clinic. The former, however,
only note the results,of " routine " inspection carried out every
three years, and old defects have been cured, or new defects
may have arisen, since the examination was carried out; the
latter records are of children under actual observation at the
Clinic, and children under treatment by the family doctor, or
suffering from chronic defects requiring no treatment at all,
would consequently be overlooked.
Results of Special Census.
48 children were noted as having been under observation
or treatment during the previous twelve months for Tuberculous
conditions (Chest, 38; Bones and Joints, 5; Glands, 5;
Lupus, 1). The great majority of the chest cases had been
'' under observation only '' at the Tuberculosis Dispensary.
66 children suffered from "Nervous Conditions." Of
these 66, 24 had Infantile Paralysis of the legs or arms or both;
9 suffered from Chorea; 18 were stated to have " epileptiform "
seizures and 15 were classed under the general term, "nervous."
It was interesting to note that all who required special
treatment, or special mechanical supports, had obtained such.
Practically none of the epileptics had had seizures in school,
the attacks being infrequent and usually occurring at night.
86 other scholars were noted. Of these, 23 were characterised
as "delicate" children, 13 had serious "cardiac"
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