View report page

(11) Provision of Meals.
The same scheme which has pertained for several years, and
which I have on previous occasions set out in detail, still exists
for the purpose of providing meals for children.
The Education Committee, on behalf of the Maternity and
Child Welfare Committee, make provision for supplying meals
to expectant and nursing mothers at the Centres, at special times.
During the year the number of meals served at the various
School Dining Centres was as follows :—
Breakfasts, 366,264. Dinners, 752,672.
The average number of children fed each week was 3,062.
(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 86.3, 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 1936 the number of
children who were affected by this parental objection amounted
to 51.
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
174