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in open air covered classrooms. The children are selected by
the School Medical Staff, and examined prior to admission by
the Chief Assistant School Medical Officer. Visits are made
fortnightly by the School Medical Officer or his Chief Assistant,
when all the boys are re-inspected, and a record of their height
and weight noted.
During the year there were 141 boys admitted and 125
discharged. The boys discharged are re-examined within three
months of their return home. All the prospective scholars
have their teeth attended to, as well as any nose and throat
conditions prior to admission.
The minimum period of stay is three months, but, as a
rule, longer periods, six to nine months or more, are necessary
to obtain permanent benefit.
The improvement is most marked, especially shortly after
admission, due no doubt to the change to a regular healthy
habit of life—good food and efficient sleep.
Out of 128 re-examinations made at periods varying from
three to twelve months after discharge:—
Seventy-one were in good health.
Twenty-nine had maintained improvement gained at Open
Air School.
Twenty had not maintained improvement gained at Open
Air School.
Eight had left School, were in good health, and had
secured employment.
Appointments were given for the attendance of a further
41 cases who failed to attend. A School Nurse visited the
home of each of these children, and it was ascertained that in
most cases the parent did not bring the child because he was
apparently quite well. One of these cases had left School and
obtained employment.
During the first 12 months following the opening of the
School parents were allowed to visit on the first afternoon of
every month for a period of two hours. It was found, however,
that, seeing their parents had a somewhat unsettling
effect upon a considerable percentage of the pupils. The
School Sub-Committee therefore wisely decided to restrict the
parents' visits to once in three months.