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100
Hospital Classes
I am indebted to Mr. J. Power, M.A., Borough Education Officer, Tottenham,
for the following report:-
"The tuition of children at St. Ann's and the Prince of Wales's General
Hospitals has continued during the past year under the two full-time teachers provided
by the Tottenham Education Committee. An average of 29 long-term patients
regularly receive tuition and in addition every effort is made to cater for children
who are patients for shorter periods.
At St. Ann's Hospital, a schoolroom is established in one of the wards in
which those children who are well enough to be moved take their lessons. The
schoolroom is very well equipped with school furniture, a library, a wireless set,
an electric gramophone, etc. and the hospital authorities have provided a television
set which can be used for school programmes. The Tottenham Library Service
also assists in the provision of books.
As the age of the children ranges from 5 to 15 years, teaching is mainly
individual. Other children are taught at their bedside in a number of wards,
including the poliomyelitis ward. In the latter ward there is a 17 year old girl
who despite complete paralysis, has obtained a scholarship from the Swiss Foot
and Mouth Painting Association. The Education Committee have arranged for an
art teacher to give instruction in art twice weekly in this case and, as a result,
arrangements are in hand for her to take the G.C.E. examination in art this year.
Pour teaching sessions per week are given at the Prince of Wales's General
Hospital.
As far as possible, each child continues his school studies and to this end
close liaison is maintained with the day schools. Encouragement is also given
in the pursuit of hobbies which stimulate interest and avoid boredom.
Interest in the Hospital Classes has been aroused by the publication of
photographs in the national press.
On the whole, the children are eager to have lessons while in hospital and,
after returning to normal day school, many write expressing appreciation of the
help given. The parents, too, welcome the knowledge that their children's
education continues while they are in-patients.
The classes enjoy the ready co-operation of the hospital staff which is so
essential to the success of the scheme".
Statistical Information
Following are certain statistics relating to the work of the school health
service not included in the body of the report.