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Crosby Road Open-Air School.
The Authority maintains a Day Open-air School at Crosby
Road, Forest Gate, for 90 children, from the age of 7 years
upwards. The cases are recommended by the School Medical
Staff from their findings at Routine and Special examinations.
Long periods of attendance at the Day Open-air School are
usually required, as in many instances home influences very often
detract from the benefit that would otherwise accrue. The
children have the benefit of spray baths, breathing exercises and
handkerchief and tooth brush drill; also plenty of rest as well as
lessons in an open-air environment. Good meals with morning
milk are also provided.
Periodical medical examinations are carried out at the school
by the Chief Assistant School Medical Officer.
During the year 20 boys and 26 girls were admitted, and
7 boys and 35 girls discharged.
I am indebted to Miss Davies (the Head Mistress) for the
following report on the School:—
"The year 1933 has been encouraging. Real improvement,
physical and mental, is noticed in all children shortly after admission,
and this improvement on the whole continues.
'Health first' is necessarily the slogan of the School, and
the curriculum is adapted towards that end. Personal hygiene
occupies a large part of the timetable, and particular stress is laid
on individual cleanliness. As a result of well-balanced menus,
quiet, orderly meal-times, and definite rest periods, real physical
improvement takes place, and with it a corresponding mental
improvement.
The adjoining garden, and the privilege of working in their
own individual gardens, are much prized by the children. Gardening
as a means of self-expression is very valuable to the School,
for the moral and mental stimulus it bestows.
The usual school subjects are not neglected, and dancing,
singing, and dramatic work are much enjoyed.
The parents seem to appreciate the work of the School, and
co-operate as far as possible. A Parents' Day was held in April,
and a re-union of old scholars in July."
Ogilvie School of Recovery, Clacton-on-Sea.
The Authority also retains 10 beds for girls at the Ogilvie
School of Recovery, Clacton-on-Sea. The selected cases are
delicate children found at Routine and Special examinations.
The children selected for admission are further medically
examined before going to Clacton, and the discharged cases are
examined soon after their return home.
During the year 12 cases were admitted and 11 discharged.
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