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136
Scholars for whom an opinion of fitness to participate in
sports is required are examined by the honorary Medical
Adviser, Dr. F. B. Skerrett. During the year 122 boys were
examined, and of these 117 certified as fit in this connection.
(11) Provision of Meals.
West Ham being largely a necessitous area, the provision
of meals to necessitous school children is an important duty
on the part of the Local Education Authority.
The scheme has now been in operation several years, and
is continued throughout the school holidays. At present there
are nine Dining Centres in operation, under the superintendence
of Miss Hale. The Centres are visited from time to time
by the School Medical Officer, and the dietary is submitted for
his approval. The Centres are clean and well managed, and
the food is of excellent quality. Good table manners are tactfully
inculcated and observed, so that there is food for the mind
as well as the body.
The following figures summarise the extent of the undertaking
during the year:—
Breakfasts. Dinners
Number of Meals supplied at Silvertown
National Kitchen 4,451 7,547
Number of Meals supplied at School
Dining Centres 148,394 252,562
Average number of children attending per month: 4,050.
These figures constitute a large increase on those of the
previous year.
(12) School Baths.
School Baths are provided at two Elementary Schools,
viz., Gainsborough Road and Rosetta Road. Spray Baths are
provided at the Special School at Knox Road. A large School
Bath is provided at the Residential Open Air School at Fyfield.
Selected children, with the consent of their parents, are
conducted in rota to the Corporation Baths at Balaam Street
Jupp Road, Fenn Street and Silvertown. This takes place in
school hours.
Facilities are also afforded to school children for instruction
in swimming at the Beckton Road Open Air Bath, Men