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67
SPEECH THERAPY
There has been no change in the number of speech therapists employed by the London Borough of
Brent, following the increase mentioned in last year's report. This means that five are working full time
and are responsible for supplying the service to eight major clinics and two special schools.
The main development, which may well affect speech therapy, is the opening of the special classes
at Vernon House in 1967 for infants with educational problems and maladjusted children.
reports of work in clinics
1. Kilburn Square, Neasden, Pound Lane, Stonebridge:—
Adequate provision for speech therapy is made at all these clinics. The service will shortly improve
at Neasden, once the treatment room will not be shared with the chiropodist. Waiting lists occur at all
the clinics, and in particular the amount of work at Stonebridge has increased considerably during the past
six months. The predominate age range is five to eight years. Articulatory and language disorders are
still the most usual.
2. London Road, College Road, One Tree Hill, Stag Lane Library:—
The speech therapy service at these clinics also appears to be adequate except at London Road. Here
the very long waiting list does mean that children are often seen in small groups, or are treated by speech
therapy students; working under supervision. The limited accommodation is responsible for these temporary
difficulties. Otherwise speech therapy is well established and the schools in the Wembley area, continue
to be most co-operative. A wide range of speech disorders is dealt with.
reports from special schools
1. Lower Place P.H. School:—
Two speech therapists work a total of seven sessions as before, and treat a wide variety of cases.
It is hoped that once the new school building is complete, the service may be extended. At present very
few of the children are receiving the frequent treatment which is needed to overcome their rather gross speech
defects. However despite these difficulties, the teaching staff continue to co-operate.
2. Woodfield E.S.N. School:—
Four sessions are still held by one speech therapist, who feels that further extensions could still be
made to the present service. A rather small group of children are treated twice or three times a week in
an attempt to give maximum benefit. But there are many others who could well do with speech therapy if
it were more readily available.
conclusions
Speech therapy in Brent has continued to develop well during the past twelve months, and therapists
are grateful for the many improvements in their timetables and accommodation, which have been introduced.
The service seems to comoare extremelv favourablv with that existing in other London Borouerhs.

HANDICAPPED PUPILS
Special examination of any child over the age of 2 years thought to be in need of special educational
facilities because of a specific handicap is required by the Education Act of 1944. It is then encumbent on
the authority to provide same either at day or residen tial schools, the categories being defined as follows:Blind
Epileptic
Partially Sighted Maladjusted
Deaf Physically Handicapped
Partially Hearing Children suffering from Speech Defects
Educationally Sub-normal Delicate