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(11) Provision of Meals.
Under this paragraph in my previous reports I have set out
the scheme which exists for the provision of meals. This particular
scheme has been in operation for several years.
I give below the number of meals provided during the year
at the School Dining Centres:—
Breakfasts, 507,082. Dinners, 901,009.
There are a number of voluntary agencies which also help in
this direction.
(12) Co-operation of Parents, Teachers, School
Attendance Officers and Public Bodies.
(a) Parents are always notified when their children are due
to be medically inspected, and the fact that last year the percentage
of parents who were actually present at the Elementary
School examinations amounted to 82.6, indicates the interest taken
in the work of the School Medical Service.
The number of parents who refuse to have their children
medically examined is extremely low. In 1933 the number of
children who were affected by this parental objection amounted
to 53.
Parents are always encouraged to accompany their children
both when they are being inspected at school, or treated at the
Clinics.
(b) The assistance rendered by Teachers has always been
greatly appreciated by the staff of the School Medical Service.
The facilities, which are invariably afforded Doctors, Dentists
and Nurses whenever they have occasion to go to a school, help
considerably in the smooth running of the department.
In selecting special cases for examination, urging attendance
at Clinics and impressing upon parents the need for carrying out
advice given, or recommendations made, the teachers play an
invaluable part.
Children who show some defect and are considered by the
Doctor to need individual supervision by the teacher are reported
to the Head Teacher on a special confidential form. All cases such
as bad vision, defective hearing, heart trouble, etc., are so reported.
To the members of the School Inspectorate I also tender my
best thanks for their enthusiastic co-operation.
(c) There is complete co-ordination between the School
Medical Service and the Bye-Laws Department. The work done
by the School Attendance Officers in connection with the Health
Services of the Borough is of great value, particularly in regard
to cases of non-notifiable infectious diseases, which are brought
bv them daily to the notice of the Medical Officer of Health.
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