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from subnormal nutrition with milk in school, an increase of
one hundred and fifty-five on the figure for the previous year.
These cases were selected by the school medical inspector
during the periodical surveys which were held. These grants
of free milk are made after the financial circumstances of the
family have been investigated by a Sub-Committee specially
appointed for the purpose.
The milk is supplied during the morning and afternoon
sessions for a period of six months. The children are weighed
at the commencement and then re-inspected and re-weighed
at the end of this period. The Committee interpret their scale
on wide and generous lines. In some cases cod liver oil and
malt is also supplied free in school when recommended on
medical grounds.
Arrangements are available in all the schools for
scholars to receive milk daily, at the cost of the
parents, under the scheme of the National Milk Publicity
Council. Only pasteurised milk is supplied and this is contained
in sealed bottles holding one-third of a pint. The cost
to the parents is one half-penny.
It is still a matter of regret that many more parents do
not avail themselves of the opportunity of providing their children
with milk in school every day. It has been conclusively
demonstrated that by so doing the children benefit greatly in
health. In a very few cases, it is true, children are not able
to take this milk. There appears, however, to be no adequate
reason for the fact that only about fifty or sixty per cent. of
the children in Wimbledon are receiving milk in school
regularly under the scheme.
12. CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS, TEACHERS, SCHOOL
ATTENDANCE OFFICERS, AND VOLUNTARY
BODIES.
Co-operation of Parents. Parents are invited to be
present at the school during the routine inspection of their
children. Out of 1,764 children examined at the routine
inspections, one thousand and thirty-two, or 58.50% were
accompanied by one or other parent.
The percentage of parents attending these inspections in
the schools is lower than that desired but is not due to any
real lack of interest on the part of the parents in the health
of their children. Many of the mothers go out to work and
are consequently unable to spare the necessary time to attend.
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