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46
SPEECH THERAPY
In 1972 the establishment for five full-time Therapists (50 sessions) was increased to that of (84
sessions) 8 full-time Therapists and one part time; the increase in establishment was based on a survey of the
case load in clinics and Special Schools carried out in August 1971. During the course of the year the establishment
was not complete and in December 1972 was the equivalent of 75 sessions. Mrs. Shinkfield, the
Senior Speech Therapist left in February after five years of service in the Borough; Mrs. Spinney left in March
after two years of service. Mrs. Wyatt was appointed to the senior post in Juiy, and five other Therapists were
appointed during the course of the year, three full-time and two on a part-time basis.
School Health Clinics
In 1972, 522 children were referred for Speech Therapy and of these, 267 were admitted for treatment
(see Table 28). Sessions have continued in the nine clinics throughout the Borough with the exception of
College Road where there was a break from September to December due to the limited number of referrals.
Extra sessions are still needed at some clinics, particularly at Craven Park Health Centre and Kilburn
Square Clinic.
With the increase in the case load at clinics the administrative problems for Therapists have become
considerable.
Special Schools
During the year the case load in special schools was reviewed and sessions distributed accordingly.
Sessions were reduced from ten to seven at Grove Park School, two morning sessions were undertaken at
Woodfield School, as this was felt to be more worthwhile than covering the school for a whole day, thus
enabling some children to receive twice weekly treatment. Sessions at Manor School were increased from four
to eight, but with the planned expansion of the school and the increased case load further provision for fulltime
coverage will have to be made.
Sessions at Kingsbury were increased from four to seven. Sessions were resumed at Bainacraig in
September; two were felt to be sufficient and allowed the Therapist time to undertake a survey of the children
there in order to review the situation. In most cases, sessions at special schools are undertaken by two speech
Therapists.
Grove Park School
During the year sessions were reduced from full-time coverage to seven sessions which was considered
sufficient to meet the needs of the current case load. A policy of screening all new admissions to the school
has been adopted, and although not all children screened require treatment, many show some language delay.
Woodfield School
Two sessions were resumed in May (i.e. one day) after a break of two months without a Therapist, and
in September these two sessions were carried out on two separate mornings. It was decided to screen every
child who was on the treatment register (including those on review) and any child a teacher wished to refer.
During the course of the year 55 children were referred. 36 of whom were found not to need treatment. Of
the 19 children remaining, several of these were put on review. Many of the children on the current register
appeared to have received a considerable amount of treatment in the past, and apart from three children were
not considered to be in urgent need of treatment. Every child admitted to Woodf.eld School from May to
December was seen for assessment, and it is hoped to continue this policy.
Manor School
Sessions were increased from four to eight in September, undertaken by two Speech Therapists.
Vernon House
Two sessions have been undertaken during the year, and since September have been carried out on
two separate mornings which has meant that the children receive treatment twice a week.
Kingsbury School
Sessions were increased from four to seven in September, undertaken by two Speech Therapists and
this has meant a considerable easing in the pressure of work. It was decided that a survey should be carried
out in the school to collect information relating to the speech of all the children, in order to investigate the
referral procedures, criteria for acceptance for treatment and a more balanced view of the speech difficulties
experienced. This survey was commenced in December.
Bainacraig School
Sessions were recommenced in September. Every child was referred for Speech Therapy, investigated
and assessment reports were written. It is felt that none of the children has a great deal of potential as far as
language is concerned, and only four children were considered for regular treatment; the others are observed
from time to time; and discussed with the staff who provide a valuable source of language stimulation to the
children during the course of daily activities.