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101
Meanwhile, we have set aside money to carry out a survey into the
needs of our subnormal population. In this, we hope to have the assistance
of the G.L.C. Intelligence Unit, and to emerQe with clearer ideas
of how best to plan future services.
Adult
Iraining
Centre
Our search for a suitable site for a second Adult Training Centre
has, so far, been fruitless. A second Centre is becoming a matter of
urgency, since our waiting list for Burnside is steadily growing. We try
to alleviate distress arising from this by rationing attendance, and where
possible, by 'boxing and coxing' some of the trainees. A suitable venue
for a temporary 'overflow' unit has similarly not been found. Waltham
Forest have kindly offered us some of their present spare capacity at
one of their centres; the transport problem, except in the odd case, is
however formidable.
Good progress has been made in refining the social training programme
for adult subnormals, and linking this with a meaningful production
process. A Point Scheme of incentive payments has been
instituted, and all earnings are now distributed to trainees according to
points earned. The staff are improving contacts with parents, in order
to further the trainees' welfare and training. Much thought is also being
given to improving liaison with the Junior Training School and to devising
good transitional procedures.
Hyleford
Junior
Training
School
The Hyleford Junior Training School continues to receive a large
number of visitors, who are attracted by the novelty of the building and
the reputation of its staff. We receive a steady stream of applications
from young women who wish to work there in order to learn about looking
after mentally handicapped children, prior to formal training. Here again,
we have a small waiting list for Special-Care children, and try to help
as many as possible by rationing attendance. A meeting with the Education
Authority to lay plans for future provision is due to take place
quite soon.
The local Parents' Societies have raised a considerable sum of
money and commissioned an architect to design an Adventure Playground
adjacent to the school on land made available by the Education Committee.
This should be a very exciting addition to the school's ability to
train for independence and self-confidence.