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The first two Societies notify the School Medical Officer of
such children coming under their notice who require convalescence
or new or altered instruments. The Education Committee helps
in the cost of instruments, or alteration of same.
During the year, 82 school children were sent away for varying
periods of convalescence. This number is less than the previous
year, but no doubt with the Open Air School and Holiday
Camps now available a good many children of school age are in
less need of convalescence.
During the same period, 37 children were examined and helped
as regards new Surgical Instruments or alterations to same.
Occasionallv the Local Officer of the N.S.P.C.C. renders help
in the case of recalcitrant or neglectful parents or guardians.
The Central Association for Mental Welfare interests itself
in children of school age who are mentally defective, and also in
their after-school welfare.
(17) Blind, Deaf, Defective and Epileptic Children.
(a) The returns of these children are obtained from two
sources. The School Attendance Department has a complete list
of all out-of-school cases, and of those already placed in various
institutions. These cases are notified to the School Medical Officer
as they arrive, and are followed up by a Special Nurse. They
are also examined (by the Chief Assistant School Medical Officer)
to ascertain their fitness for school or otherwise. Some go back
to the Elementary Schools, many go to the Special Schools, but
the majority are found unfit for school.
The permanent out of school cases are provided with a special
card, and are vouched for from time to time by a Nurse detailed
for the purpose. Any changes in their condition justifying
re-examination are then brought to light.
Besides the above, an annual census is taken at the end of the
year of all exceptional children submitted by teachers. These are
examined by the Medical Staff and cases unfit for the ordinary
school are referred for further consideration, i.e. re attendance at
Special School.
(b) A Special Nurse is employed following up all M.D. children
who are not in the schools. Briefly all out of school cases are
periodically examined at the four annual examinations to ascertain
their fitness for the Special Schools, and followed up at home
to urge any treatment advised.
The two After-Care Committees sit to consider the welfare
of the children who have recently left the Special Schools or the
Deaf Centres.
The following reports have been received regarding children
who have left during the year:—
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