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The Educational Psychologists have also participated in further Education
courses for pre-school play group staff.
The appointment of an I nspector/Adviser for Special Education is welcomed
and the Educational Psychologists have begun joint projects in conjunction with the
I nspector/Adviser in many spheres of remedial teaching.
Details of the work of the School Psychological Service are in Appendix XI
to this report.
Observation and Diagnostic Classes
The two Observation/Diagnostic Classes which were attached to Primary
Schools were transferred to a Special Unit at Belmont Hospital since the classes in
Primary Schools were required for an increased number of pupils.
Each class caters for 10 children aged between 5 and 7 years, and is staffed by
a trained teacher and a school helper. The children admitted to the classes are fully
assessed before admission. It is considered that pupils admitted would be unable to make
progress in a large infant class. Each term a conference is held between the teacher of each
class, the educational psychologists, the Principal Medical Officer and Chief Education
Officer, to discuss each child's progress and the future placement. The staff of these
classes are very happy with their new accommodation, although I still consider it desirable
that the Observation/Diagnostic Classes should be attached to Infant Schools.
The classes have been most valuable since their establishment and have formed
an essential part of observing children's handicapping conditions closely in order to ensure
that they are recommended for the type of education best suited to their needs.
During 1971 a total of 36 children attended the classes
(a) 8 children were transferred to an ordinary school
(b) 3 children were transferred to Carew Manor E.S.N. School.
(c) 2 children were transferred to Sherwood Park School
(d) 1 child was transferred to a special school for maladjusted children
(e) 2 children left the area
(f) 20 children remained on register at 31/12/71.
Screening Procedure for Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Research has shown that certain handicapping conditions (i.e. mental
retardation, disturbed behaviour and epilepsy) can be caused in a small percentage of
children by an inborn error metabolism. In conjunction with Queen Mary's Hospital
for Children, screening continues to be carried out for new pupils attending Carew
Manor E.S.N. School, Sherwood Park E.S.N. School and the Day Unit for Maladjusted
Children.
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