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36
CLEANLINESS.
See Table V.
There has been a rise in the number of individual children
found to have verminous heads—(1942, 1,157; 1943, 1,516). The
school nurses are of the opinion that this may be due to the fashion
of longer hair for girls, and the fact that many mothers are now out
at work. In most cases the condition has been quickly remedied
when the mother has been informed.
Lethane has been given a thorough trial by all school nurses,
but they are generally agreed that this is no more effective than
paraffin or carbolic oil, i.e., it kills live vermin, but has no effect
on nits, and does not make their removal any easier.
SUNLIGHT.
In June, 1943, lamps were installed at the Lordship Lane
Health Centre, and school children were transferred from Park
Lane. The treatment is given by school nurses.
271 children attended on 4,539 occasions. The attendance was
good, and nearly all cases benefitted by treatment, the mothers
reported increased appetite, energy and sleep.
IMMUNISATION.
Total number of children over five immunised .. .. 1,038
Between the ages of 5 and 15, 55 per cent, of the child population
was immunised at 31st December, 1943.
PLAY CENTRES.
Play Centres are of great value in ensuring the welfare and
safety of those children, especially the younger ones, whose mothers
are still at work after school hours. There are six of these centres
and an average of 250 children attend daily. They are essentially
"play" centres, and there are toys and other apparatus for the
children's use. In good weather the children play out-of-doors
as much as possible, and there is suitable accommodation for indoor
amusements when it is unfavourable. A teacher is in charge of each
centre, and tea is provided.