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OBSERVATION AND DIAGNOSTIC CLASSES
During 1972 two extra classes were established to cater for the increased need for this type of
educational provision. The total of four classes was transferred to premises at 18 Stanley Park
Road. Wallington, to form a special unit under the direction of a teacher in charge.
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 prior to admission
some transfer from infant classes in ordinary schools having failed to settle and make progress.
Other admissions are for children whom it is considered would be unable to make progress in
a large infant class.
Each term a conference is held, attended by the teacher in charge, class teachers, the Educationa
Psychologist, Speech Therapist, Principal Medical Officer, and Chief Education Officer to
discuss each child's progress and future school placement.
The staff of these classes are satisfied with their new accommodation although I still consider it
desirable that the Observation/Diagnostic Classes should be attached to I nfant Schools. 11 is
regrettable that children ascertained as being educationally sub-normal cannot be adrritted to
Carew Manor School before the age of 7 years. If a 6 year old class was available at Carew
Manor School some children could be transferred from the unit much earlier, thus enabling
other children to be admitted for observation. 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 1972 a total of 43 children attended the classes
(a) 3 children transferred to Carew Manor E.S.N. School
(b) 1 child transferred to Sherwood Park E.S.N. School
(c) 1 child transferred to a day school for emotionally disturbed children
(d) 1 child transferred to Ravensbury E.S.N. School, Mitcham.
(e) 1 child left the area.
(f) 36 children remained on the Register at 31.12.72.
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 of
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.
Handicapped Pupils
It is the duty of the Council to make suitable provision for handicapped pupils in the borough.
The Handicapped Pupils and Special Schools Regulations 1959 specify ten categories of
handicapped pupils, namely
Blind, partially sighted, deaf, partially hearing, educationally sub-normal,
epileptic, maladjusted, physically handicapped, delicate and speech defect.
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