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The school consists of 12 classes as follows:-
(1) Draper Building 6 classes grouped chronologically from4-16 years
(plus 2 classes for physically handicapped group)
'F' Block Class 8. Pupils over 16 years are receiving ore-industrial
training.
Class 9. 8 daily children from Sutton and Wandsworth
attend.
Class 10. 8 children admitted to hospital for short term
care and suitable to attend school.
Class 11. A group of severely mentally handicapped
children who are being given a triai in school
out of the ward.
Annexe to E.6 (extension) A group of 6 blind children
Class 13. A group of 4 deaf children.
(2) Teachers have been allocated to the following wards :-
C 1/2; C 3/4; C 5; C 6; F 1/2; F 4; F 5/6; E 5/6; E 7/8; D 9; D 10.
Although severe mental handicap is regarded as the major disability in all children receiving
education at the Fountain School, a high proportion of the children suffer from an additional
handicap, i.e. 125 physically handicapped, 6 deaf, 5 partially sighted, 15 blind, 34 epileptic.
In addition some children suffer from a degree of emotional disturbance from slight to
very severe.
Although most children with mental handicap are now cared for in the corrmunity due to the
increased services now available, I would envisage that the more profoundly and multiple
handicapped child will continue to receive education in the future at the Fountain School
Much research has to be done and knowledge yet to be gained concerning the techniques
of teaching the profoundly and multiple handicapped. Queen Mary's Hospital for Children
has much to contribute in the future.
The full implementation of the Education (Handicap Children) Act 1970 has only been made
possible by the co-operation and help of all the hospital staff. Case conferences are held
regularly at all levels and each discipline contributes their own particular skill, exchanging
ideas and working as a team for the advancement of each child.
This year has been memorable in that it has seen the extension of education to all children
aged over 2 years. The greatest need is for additional classes and it is hoped that the new
extension to the Draper School will be commenced without delay. It is too early to assess
the full benefit of education to all the children. Many children have improved in responsibility
and functioning level, especially the profoundly retarded. A start has been made - much work
remains to be done.
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all the staff at the Queen Mary's Hospital
for their help and co-operation during the year as without this nothing would have been
achieved.
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