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At present, 170 children are being given treatment weekly with 100 others being reviewed.
The waiting lists at the clinics vary in different parts of the Borough; there is a total list of 60 children
awaiting treatment—every child referred to a speech therapist is however, seen and assessed and a
priority awarded.
This year saw the re-introduction of a regular termly meeting of speech therapists which has
proved to be an immense help in the discussion of difficult and unusual cases and problems arising
from them. A joint meeting with doctors and educational psychologists proved to be a great
leavener of ideas for future joint discussions and promotions. Among the topics brought forward
were language poverty and reading problems; examination of the criteria for selection for a proposed
language class; parent education in the importance of parent/child relationships with reference to
children with poor linguisticability etc.
The speech therapy service has welcomed six students from the London colleges of speech
therapy for training with our own staff in the clinics and schools, observing the work done and applying
their knowledge under supervision. It is hoped that the students will continue to visit from time to
time, since they bring new ideas and can be of help with the problem of large caseloads. Also, the
interest and experience of therapy in the school health service which they acquire during their
apprenticeship frequently sets the pattern of their future professional employment.
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