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40
will allow, speedily acquire many attainments. A casual visit to the
School makes apparent the fact that school is an important contributory
factor to their happiness.
Oak Lodge Day Special School for Mentally Defective Children.
During the year 1924 arrangements were completed for the admission
of a number of Tottenham children to the Finchley, Hornsey and Wood
Green Joint Special School for Mentally Defective Children. At the
end of 1925, 26 Tottenham children were in attendance. These are classified
as follows:—
Dull and Backward 3
Mentally Defective 22
Mongolian Imbecile 1
During 1925 two children have been removed from the School, one
because she was paralysed and her physical disability interfered with her
progress at this type of school, the other because she was found after
admission to suffer from epilepsy.
The School is situated in Oak Lane, Finchley. It is a large mansionhouse
in semi-rural surroundings, the rooms of which are utilized for
class rooms, and in other respects the house has been modified to suit
school requirements. A spacious garden in the rear is utilised by the
pupils for games and instruction in gardening.
Hand work naturally forms an important part of the curriculum
and there is a well-equipped workshop where the boys are instructed in
woodwork and carpentry. A domestic centre for the girls where cookery,
laundry and housework are taught has been established. Baths are
provided.
The majority of the children partake of hot dinners provided at
mid-day at a cost of fivepence, but a number bring their own food, which
is heated up for them in the school kitchen. During 1925, an average of
ten Tottenham children received free dinners provided by the managers
of the School. Nineteen Tottenham children received hot milk every
morning, this being provided at a charge of 7d. per week.
All the Tottenham children are, with one exception, reported by the
School Nurse to be well clad. The School is visited at regular intervals