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EPILEPTIC CHILDREN, The definition of an epileptic child for our purpose is one who,
by reason of epilepsy, cannot be educated under the normal regime of an ordinary school
without detriment to himself or other pupils. There are many epileptics whose disability
is not so severe as to be incompatible with a normal school life, and it is in their best
interests that they should he educated at an ordinary school. The more closely a child can
live like his fellows the more likely he is to grow up mentally balanced with a normal
healthy outlook. Many children with the less serious forms of epilepsy can be educated
at ordinary schools if facilities are provided to enable them to overcome their particular
difficulties. It is only when an epileptic is clearly unable to fit into an ordinary
school and home life that he should be "ascertained" and the rather drastic step taken of
arranging special education for him. Fortunately this is rarely necessary as will be seen
from the figures given below. When epileptic children do require special educational
treatment at a special school the Authority places them in the care of voluntary organisations
who manage special establishments for epileptic people. Occasionally such a child is placed
in the day special school for physically handicapped pupils.
The number of non-ascertained cases of epilepsy known to the Authority is 53.
Data relating to ascertained cases of epilepsy during the year may be summarised as follows:-
Number of ascertained cases known to the Authority 4
Number of cases in residential speeial schools 3
In day special school 1
Number of fresh ascertainments during the year 1
PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN. Physically handicapped pupils are pupils not
suffering solely from a defect of sight or hearing, who by reason of disease or crippling
defect cannot, without detriment to their health or educational development, be satisfactorily
educated under the normal regime of ordinary schools. The purpose of a school for physically
handicapped children is to provide an environment appropriate to their special needs; an
environment where their particular disabilities may receive proper and continuous care while
their education continues. The Authority maintains a day school for physically handicapped
pupils. The curriculum includes opportunity for practical work and a full range of general
and cultural subjects. Special equipment, furniture and apparatus are supplied to meet the
needs of individual children; physiotherapy and remedial exercises and speech therapy are
given to those requiring them. Fortunately, a number of children improve so much in health
and in ability to conquer their handicap that they are able to be transferred to ordinary
schools. Eight children were transferred to ordinary schools during the year.
The following figures set out the position regarding physically handicapped children
in the Borough during the year 1955s-
Total number known to the Authority! (includes all children on
register at any time during the year)
Heart cases 10
Cripples 60
Miscellaneous 12
146