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Thus the total number of Handicapped children known to the
Authority was 144; 72 were in residential special schools, 69 in
the day special school, and 3 were out of school.
(g) DELICATE CHILDREN. These are children who, by
reason of impaired physical condition cannot, without risk to
their health, be educated under the normal regime of an
ordinary school. This classification covers a wide variety of
ailments which need more prolonged care but which with proper
management, are not likely to develop into a permanent physical
handicap. So far as possible these children are sent for treatment
to the Fyfield Residential Open-air School, near Ongar:
some are sent to Convalescent Homes, approved by the Ministry
of Education, for long-term cases. Figures relating to the
admissions to Fyfield and to Convalescent Homes will be found
on pages 90 and 91.
The number of children ascertained as delicate during the
year was 568 and their disposal was as follows:
Admitted to Fyfield 229
Admitted to Convalescent Homes* 218
Refused to go away 71
Went away through other sources 4
Left school 1
Removed from district 1
On waiting-list for Fyfield or convalescence at end of
year 44
*These include children too young, or otherwise unsuitable,
for Fyfield, and children whose parents withhold consent for
admission to Fyfield.
(h) MALADJUSTED CHILDREN. These are children who
show evidence of emotional instability or psychological disturbance
and require special educational treatment in order to effect
their personal, social, or educational re-adjustment. Such
children are first investigated and the diagnosis established at
the Child Guidance Clinic. The special educational treatment
required is advised by the clinic and often wholly or partly
carried out there. The number of children ascertained as maladjusted
during the year was 61, and the number sent to special
boarding schools was 4.
(i) DIABETIC PUPILS. These are pupils suffering from
diabetes who cannot obtain the treatment they need while living
at home and require residential care. Where regular and effective
medical treatment and care can be given to a child living at
home there is no need to disturb his education. If satisfactory
care and treatment is impossible at home, the child may be
admitted to a hostel where this can be given; even so, he will
attend an ordinary school. There are 3 such children known to
the School Health Service. One child who was admitted to the
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