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(c) other pupils in primary schools and junior pupils in all
age and middle schools where a school medical officer
certifies that the pupil's health requires that he should be
provided with milk at school.
The Act amends Section 78 (2) (a) of the Education Act
1944 by limiting the power of authorities to make
arrangements with proprietors of direct grant and
independent schools (other than approved special schools)
for the provision of milk to pupils in attendance at such
schools. Since the beginning of the Autumn term 1971
authorities have not been empowered to provide milk for
such pupils beyond the end of the Summer term after they
attain the age of seven.
In view of the legislation quoted above a review of the
nutritional state of children who ceased to be eligible for
free milk in school was undertaken. Examinations were
arranged where it appeared necessary and certificates were
issued by medical officers when they were of the opinion
that the pupils health required that he be provided with
milk at school.
Infectious Diseases
The following numbers of cases of infectious disease are
known to have occurred among school children during the
year
Chickenpox 319
Encephalitis —
German measles 130
Infective jaundice 15
Measles 287
Meningitis 1
Mumps 262
Scarlet fever 59
Tuberculosis 1
Whooping Cough 57
There were no cases of diptheria or poliomyelitis. When
pulmonary tuberculosis is found in a pupil or teacher the
chest physician is consulted and where considered advisable
investigations of school contacts are undertaken. School
children, between their thirteenth and fourteenth birthdays,
are offered a test for susceptibility to tuberculosis and BCG
vaccination. During the year 1290 school children and
students received BCG vaccination.
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