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The administrative arrangements remain with the West Ham branch of the invalid
Children's Aid Association, whose skill and long experience enables each child's needs
to be fully understood and provided for. This includes a good deal of work with the
family.
While some children require only a short convalescence following an illness,
others, debilitated by an unhealthy environment, require considerably longer. Should
a child require a longer stay than six weeks, he must be admitted to a convalescent home
providing educational facilities.
EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS
The employment of children who are under compulsory school leaving age is restricted
by statutory legislation and bye-laws.
In West Ham it is limited to the delivery of newspapers, milk or bread and participation
in singing and dancing entertainments. The former is usually done by boys, but
occasionally a girl wishes to undertake work of this nature. The medical officer carrying
out the examination gives a certificate to the effect that the employment will not be
prejudicial to the health or physical development of the child, and will not render him
unfit to obtain proper benefit from his education.
The number examined has declined again. This year 8l were examined and none was
found unfit. The number of certificates granted for girls to participate in singing and
dancing has again declined. This year it was 5.
THE SCHOOL LEAVER AND EMPLOYMENT
Unsultablllty for certain occupations
At the last medical inspection the School Medical Officer considers the nature of
employment for which the child is fitted and where appropriate completes a specially
designed form which is sent to the Youth Employment Officer.
In practice, restrictions are most frequently recommended on account of defective
vision.
In the case of handicapped children a special form is used, which includes a
section for recording the nature of the child's disability, its probable duration, and
its bearing on the obtaining or keeping of suitable employment.
Parental consent must be obtained for passing the above information to the Youth
Employment Officer, and in selected cases, to the Disablement Advisory Committee, for
the purpose of registration under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act. During the
year 10 reports were sent.
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