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SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE
(COPY OF REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE INNER LONDON EDUCATION AUTHORITY
BY THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HE ALTH IN HIS CAPACITY AS
PRINCIPAL SCHOOL MEDICAL OFFICER)
INTRODUCTION
The Inner London Education Authority is responsible for the school health service, but,
by virtue of an agreement required by Section 32 of the London Government Act, 1963, there is
joint use by the Authority and the Borough of professional staff, premises and equipment. The
Medical Officer of Health is the Principal School Medical Officer of the Inner London Education
Authority for the area and in this capacity exercises local responsibility for the administration
of the school health service in the London Borough of Camden.
After the period of readjustment following the general reorganisation which took place
during 1965, the principal task for 1966 was to work towards effective co-ordination of services
for school children. The complexity of the pattern of statutory and voluntary provision is well
known. Indication that there should be more co-operation in the provision of education, health
and welfare services for handicapped children and young people was given in the Joint Circular
issued in March 1966 by the Department of Education and Science (9/66) and the Ministry of Health
(7/66). In September 1966 a meeting was held in Camden Town Hall to which organisations concerned
locally with the care of handicapped children and young people were invited to send
representatives. In addition to professional and administrative staff of Camden's own Health and
Welfare Departments and an observer from the Children's Department, representatives came from
the Inner London Education Authority, the North West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board, the
Inner London Local Medical Committee, the Ministry of Labour, Bedford College, seven hospitals
and nine voluntary associations. Discussion took place after the meeting had been addressed by
Dr. J.G. Somerville, Medical Director of the nearby Medical Rehabilitation Centre. Considerable
enthusiasm was shown by those attending the meeting, who do not otherwise have the opportunity
to meet in such an informal setting; and the foundation was laid for closer working relationships to
be established. This is felt to be especially important in an area such as Camden which is particularly
well endowed with hospitals of various kinds. A separate meeting was arranged for representatives
from child guidance clinics working in the area which again proved to be an interesting and valuable
experience.
BACKGROUND TO THE SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE
The dual role of the Medical Officer of Health and Principal School Medical Officer has
proved invaluable in ensuring continuity of care particularly for the handicapped child, whether
his need be for special educational help or for community care provided through the Mental Health
Service. Both hospitals and general practitioners have been most co-operative and generous in
supplying information when requested to do so. Indeed some supply reports of all their findings
as a matter of routine, which is encouraging and helpful. It is less easy to ensure that all social
factors are equally well known, but the establishment of a family service register during 1966
helped to ease the situation.
Camden was chosen as one of the areas for the pilot survey of social service facilities
in the education service undertaken by Mrs. Margot Jefferys, of Bedford College.
SCHOOL ROLL
22,349 children were on the school roll (Inner London Education Authority and grant
aided schools only) at the end of the year. There were 57 schools of which 4 were special schools,
and there was one special unit within a comprehensive school. Two secondary schools were closed
during the year.
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