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ROMFORD ROAD CHILDREN'S HOME
This Hostel, which is situated adjacent to the Gurney Special School, has accommodation
for 18 educationally subnormal boys with behaviour difficulties or other circumstances
rendering it advisable for them to leave their homes. The boys almost invariably
improve in their behaviour and habits, some to a remarkable degree. In certain cases,
where the improvement is considerable, and where in addition the home conditions also
improve, the children are allowed to leave the Hostel and return home. There is a tendency
for the children to relapse and in the past it has been necessary to re-admit certain
children to the Hostel. In consequence, before a boy is allowed to return home he is examined
by the Chief Assistant School Medical Officer. If the Medical Officer is satisfied that the
boy has much improved and reports from the Superintendent of the Hostel and the Head Teacher
of the Special School are satisfactory, then permission is given for the boy to return home.
From the beginning, periodic visits have been made by the Chief Assistant School Medical
Officer, who reports most favourably both on the cleanliness of the premises and the well-kept
condition of the children.
The Home is in charge of a married couple, who act as Superintendent and Matron
respectively. They both devote much time and energy to the welfare of the children, and
achieve a considerable measure of success in their endeavours to provide a real family
atmosphere, in which each boy is encouraged to develop his own individual interests. There
is no doubt that the boys are genuinely happy at the Home, and derive much benefit from
their residence there. The Superintendent is always most helpful and co-operative.
During the year, 16 visits of inspection were made by the Chief Assistant School
Medical Officer. Consultations are at times arranged between the Medical Officer, the
Superintendent, and the Head Teacher of the Gurney Special School.
During the past few years most of the children have been taken during the summer
vacation to Stock, in Essex, for a holiday under canvas. Children from the age of 10 to
16 years are eligible and on an average 16 children attend the camp. The duration of the
holiday camp is five weeks and the children benefit in every way from their stay. Much of
the success of the camp is due to the efficient way it is run by the Superintendent and
Matron of the Children's Home.
WEST HAM SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
The capacity of this school, which also takes children from East Ham and contiguous
areas of Essex is 70, and the maximum number of children on the roll during the year was 72,
including 43 extra-district cases. It is anticipated that the accommodation will be increased
under the Development plan. Of the 72 children in attendance during the year, 25 West Ham
cases and 37 extra-district cases were regarded as deaf and 4 West Ham cases and 6 extradistrict
cases as partially deaf and suited for instruction with hearing aids.
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It is of the utmost importance that children who are deaf should commence education
at the special school at as early an age as possible.