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SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE:
The following extracts from the Annual Report of the Divisional
School Medical Officer for the West Essex Division are of interest:-
"Handicapped Pupils;
A welcome new trend during the past year has been the decision
of the Education Committee to extend the powers granted under the
Education Act 1944 to pay the fees of a number of children, under
5 years of age who on medical grounds, have been recommended for
admission to selected privately run playgroups, registered in
accordance with the requirements of the Nurseries and Child Minders
Regulations Act 1948 (as amended by Section 60 of the Health Services
and Publir Health Act 19681). The children so recommended are those
that are considered to be mentally or physically retarded and would
benefit from association with other children in a group setting to
prepare them for entry to ordinary school at the age of 5 years.
During the year, 24 children were recommended for placement in
nursery playgroups.
Special Schools:
There are 3 Countv Council special schools in the West Essex
Division, all of which are residential. Hassobury, near Bishop's
Stortford and Chigwell High View provide places for educationally
subnormal girls and boys Nazeing Park has places for maladjusted
children.
St. Lukes School, a day school for slow learners, was opened
early in 1969. By the end of the year there were 86 pupils aged
between 7 and 13 years in attendance.
Some children living in West Essex attend day special schools
in neighbouring area:-
Specialist Services:
The North East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board continued
to provide orthopaedic, physiotherapy, orthoptic and ophthalmic
services at the clinic at Loughton Hall, and ophthalmic services
at Epping Clinic.
School Dental Service:
Mr. French, Area Dental Officer, reports-
"The staffing situation has benefited from the appointment of
a dental auxiliary based at Loughton Hall Clinic, and since this
is a new appointment it might be helpful if I outlined the duties
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