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52
the appropriate Educational Assistance Committee, and although
this arrangement is satisfactory, seeing that the Teachers by
their constant association with the children are usually well enough
acquainted with the home conditions to be able to arrive at a
decision, yet it must be remembered that malnutrition may depend
upon other causes than want of food. In this connection it
is noteworthy that no special cases have been notified to the
School Medical Officer by the Teachers or by the Secretary of the
Education Committee. More frequent reference to the advice and
opinion of the Medical Officers would tend to ensure that the
physical condition and need of the child were the important factors
in settling the question as to whether meals should be provided
in individual cases or not.
12. SCHOOL BATHS.
There are no baths used at the schools for the bathing ol
school children.
13. CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS.
During the year 1923, the number of parents who were present
at the routine medical inspections was 3,636 (2,650 in 1922),
that is, in 47*3 per cent, of the cases examined (40*3 per cent, in
1922). The increasing interest which parents take in the work
of the School Medical Service demonstrates the value which they
place upon this work, and assists greatly in ensuring that our
advice and directions are carefully carried out.
14. CO-OPE RATION OF TEACHERS.
The Teachers render most valuable assistance to the Schftol
Medical Service, and the great interest which they exhibit in
regard to all matters affecting the physical and mental condition
of the scholars is extremely stimulating and encouraging to the
School Medical Officers and Nurses.
IS. CO-OPERATION OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE OFFICERS.
The co-operation of School Attendance Officers and the coordination
of the School Medical Service with that of the School
Attendance Department has been fully discussed in previous
reports.