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43
The Schools are for the most part modern, substantially
built buildings adequately supplied with water and provided
with sufficient surrounding air space, while their general cleanliness
appears to be well looked after. Cloak-room accommodation
is very limited in some Schools, and more efficient heating
is desirable.
With a view to checking the spread of epidemic disease it
has been the practice for many years past for the Medical
Officer of Health on receiving information of the occurrence
of infectious disease in the family of a scholar to send a redcoloured
Notice to the Head Teacher of the School attended
(Day School and Sunday School) recommending the exclusion
of children coming from the infected home. The Red Notice
is subsequently followed by a White Notice freeing the family
from quarantine on the completion of the necessary isolation
and the official disinfection of the premises. Each school is
provided with a supply of disinfectants for general or special
use by the Education Authority.
Chiefly for its moral effect fifty-eight Schools (Infants'
Departments) were disinfected during the Christmas Vacation,
1925, in consequence of the increase in the number of cases
of Measles. It was not found necessary to order the closure
of any School, or part of a School, on account of infectious
disease, or for any other reason.
During 1925 a residential Open Air School to accommodate
80 boys was opened at Fyfield, near Ongar, Essex. The benefit
derived by the children who have been fortunate enough to be
sent to this School has been really remarkable. The School,
which has now been open for over a year, and not a single case
of infectious disease or serious illness of any kind has occurred.
I am of opinion that such a School is one of the most valuable
assets in the Institutional treatment of children.
A Day Open Air School, to accommodate 60 girls, has
been opened within the Borough at Crosby Road. Only one
case of infectious disease (Diphtheria) has occurred during the
year. The Head Mistress of the School writes in her Report:
• • •. "Almost without exception the children are happier, more
alert and at the same time more composed and under better
self-control. Their appetites are steadier and less fussy.
Work, play, meals and rest are all enjoyed." ....
The girls who have attended this School have all gained
in weight, and their general health has improved. It is a great
example of the efficacv of open air in dealing with delicate
children.