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(21) Employment of Children and Young Persons.
The employment of school children out of school hours is
subject to certain restrictions governed by Bye-Laws under Section
9 of the Education Act, 1921. These restrictions limit the
age at which a child can commence such work, and the hours of
employment. The child must also be medically examined and a
certificate given that the work will not injure the child's health :>r
prejudice its education.
The greater part of the work undertaken by children in this
Borough consists of newspaper delivery and other errand rounds
connected with provision stores.
The Bve-Laws under the Education Act, 1921, relating to the
employment of children have been revised and adopted by
the Council. In the main they give greater elasticity to child employment
without essentially altering the hours of employment or
encroaching on the conditions. Moreover they bring the conditions
more into line with those of the London County Council and
neighbouring Boroughs. During 1932, 141 children were
examined; two certificates were not granted on account of unfitness.
During the same period certificates of fitness under the
Employment of Children in Entertainments Rules (Sec. 101,
Education Act, 1921), were granted in respect of 35 girls and
3 bovs.
(22) Special Enquiries.
There have been no special enquiries during the year by the
Assistant School Medical Officers, their time being fully occupied
with essential duties.
(23) Miscellaneous.
All scholarship children are medically examined soon after
taking up their scholarships. The schools at which such scholarships
are held are:
Provided by the Authority:
(1) The Grove Central School.
(2) The Russell Central School.
(3) The West Ham Secondary School.
(4) The Plaistow Secondary School.
Aided by the Authority:
(5) St. Angela's High School for Girls.
(6) West Ham High School for Girls.
(7) A few boys hold their scholarships at St. Bonaventure's.
Nos. 3, 4, 5, and 6 have been dealt with in separate reports.
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