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(10) Physical Training.
There is no organiser of physical training for the Elementary
Schools, but drill and games and physical exercises are supervised
by individual teachers in various schools.
There is a well organised Sports Association, composed of
members of the Education Committee and Teachers, who organise
and superintend various sections of games, such as swimming,
football, boxing, netball, and cricket.
Scholars for whom an opinion is required as to fitness to participate
are referred for examination. During the year some 153
boys were examined, four being found unfit for various reasons.
(11) Provision of Meals.
West Ham being largely a necessitous area, the Authority
have always regarded the provision of meals to needy and underfed
children as one of their most important duties. The scheme
has now been in operation several years, and is continued over
the school holidays. At present there are ten Dining Centres
under the superintendence of Miss Anderson. The Centres are
clean and well managed ; they have been provided with First Aid
boxes, and paper handkerchiefs are supplied for children attending
the Centres.
The Menus, which are arranged by the Superintendent and
approved by the School Medical Officer, are drawn up on dietetic
principles. Full advantage is taken of each season's supply of
fresh fruit and vegetables, this giving the children every possible
variety. Special attention is given to the very young children
attending the School Dining Centres, and the requirements of the
children at the Knox and Grange Road Special Schools, and the
Crosby Road Open-air Day School are fully studied.
The following figures summarise the extent of the undertaking
for the year under consideration:—
Breakfasts Dinners
School Dining Centres 252,147 469,543
Average number of children fed per week : 1,709.
(12) School Baths.
School baths are provided at two Elementary Schools, Gainsborough
Road and Rosetta Road. Spray baths are provided at
the Special School at Knox Road, the Fyfield Open Air School,
and the new South Hallsville School.
Selected children, with the consent of parents, are conducted
in rota to the Corporation Baths at Balaam Street, Jupp Road,
Fen Street, and Silvertown. This takes place in school hours.
Facilities are also afforded for swimming instruction at the
Beckton Road Open Air Bath. Men and women instructors are
engaged for training and supervision.
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