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During the year 190 children received help in the six unattached Remedial Reading Classes. However,
with children of Secondary School age who have hardly started to read at all, something more is needed
than help in groups of ten children. It is hoped that a Remedial Reading teacher can be attached to the two
Child Guidance Centres to deal with such children on an individual basis.
School Phobia and Exclusions from School
A number of referrals are in the category of "school refusal". This is a better term to use than
"school phobia" which is reserved for a smaller group of children who have an irrational fear of going to
school, and this has little to do with the school, but more to do with the home. "Schoolphobia" is totally
different from truancy.
The number of exclusions from school has followed the pattern of last year with about 30 in all.
Most of these children, after investigation, are reinstated in ordinary schools.
With these two categories of referral, one is dealing with one group of children who refuse to attend
school, and the other group that the school does not want there.
Liaison with Other Agencies
School Medical Officers regularly attend each month a case conference at the Kilburn Child Guidance
Centre.
The Staff of the Child Guidance Service have regular monthly conferences at Vernon House and
Barretts Green Day Maladjusted Schools to discuss the children and the best way of treating them. On a few
occasions during the year some of the Child Guidance team have met the staff of Woodfield Secondary E.S.N.
School to discuss children known to both.
We have welcomed the appointment of Mr. Kettle as Adviser for Compensatory Education, and have
worked closely with him and other Advisers in courses for teachers.
In conclusion, the Child Guidance Service has been grateful for the support and co-operation from
Miss Rickus, Director of Education and Dr. Hollman, Director of Health.