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Hospital School
I am indebted to Mr. J. Power, M.A., Borough Education Officer, Tottenham, for the
following report :-
"During the past year, in addition to the continued teaching of the children at St. Ann's
Hospital, in the Prince of Wales's Children's Unit, and the Poliomyelitis Ward, there has been
an extension of individual teaching in several other wards.
The age range of the children in both hospitals is from 4 to 15 years of age and teaching
incorporates lessons to children, preparing for General Certificate of Education, commercial
courses and individual tuition to a child with muscular dystrophy who is fitted in a special chair.
Although a well equipped schoolroom is established in one of the wards, teaching is
individual. Work follows the child's school curriculum as closely as possible and to thi s end,
for long term pupils, close liaison is maintained with the day schools.
Children who are not well enough to attend school receive bedside tuition. During the
past year an 18 year old girl in the Poliomyelitis Ward passed her General Certificate of
Education in Art despite the handicap of complete paralysis.
Always the children's hobbies are followed up, and often new interests developed. To
this end we are endeavouring to arrange during the next holiday period a visit to the Royal Mint
with a few children now in hospital who should have recovered by then.
During the summer vacation two part-time teachers were employed to cater for the children
in the long break from schoolwork. Handwork, embroidery, story reading, etc. kept the children
happy and busy during this period.
It is quite evident that the children enjoy school and welcome the teacher's arrival.
Parents too are most appreciative and welcome the knowledge that the children's education
continues while in hospital.
Statistical Information
Certain statistics relating to the work of the school health service not included in the body
of the report are contained in the Appendix.