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place centre to be built at Loxford Lane. These plans have
been completed and loan sanction is awaited.
The new Centre will include a Special Care Unit divided
into two sections, for the physically handicapped child and
for the maladjusted child. There will be a Nursery Unit for
under 5 years old mentally subnormal children. In addition
to the usual classrooms, there will be a well equipped teaching
kitchen and laundry, and also a crafts room equipped with
pottery kiln, woodwork tables, etc. The hall will have built-in
equipment, e.g. climbing frames, etc., for physical training.
There has been a change in emphasis in the existing
Training Centre — the educational and social aspects are
being stressed rather than that of occupation. Learning through
play is being introduced to the younger children to prepare
them for formal teaching. Facilities were further improved by
the provision of an asphalted outdoor play area and outdoor
play equipment.
Special Care
Unit
The scope of the Special Care Unit has been increased and
children with more severe handicaps are being admitted.
Those children requiring physiotherapy are seen by the Physiotherapist
in the clinic. Since September 1965 a group of 12
children have attended the Barking Regional College of
Technology for swimming instruction undertaken voluntarily
by the staff of the College.
Weekly individual parent guidance sessions have been held
by the Principal Medical Officer at the Centre. The attendance
figures are shown in the appendix.
Adult Training
Centre
All suitable trainees under the age of 25 years have participated
in education and social training. Industrial contracts
have been extended in a limited way only owing to lack of
adequate working and storage facilities.
Outing
Trainees from both Centres were taken on 2 outings during
the year and both Centres held Christmas parties.
Holidays
Eleven trainees attended the holiday camp organised by the
Essex County Council, eight from the Junior Training Centre
and three from the Senior Training Centre. They were accompanied
by a member of the staff.
Temporary Care
Since April 1965, 22 children have been sent for temporary
care to enable parents to have a holiday or to meet some
domestic crisis.