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21
Provision of Meals.
The Education Committee devoted considerable
attention to the question of providing meals for underfed
children. After consideration of a report by the Clerk to
the Committee on the legal aspect of the position, a
Conference of the Head Teachers and the School Medical
Staff was called at the request of the Committee.
The Conference reported that the approximate number
of children which appeared underfed was 350, and made
various recommendations as to the nature of the meals, the
most suitable centres and probable cost.
This report was adopted by the Education Committee
and a recommendation made to the Council that the Act
be adopted.
This recommendation was rejected by the Council, and
in consequence the matter was left to voluntary effort.
Co-operation of Parents.
Notice of intended medical inspection is always sent to
parents, and attendances were secured in 84.4% of the
number of children inspected. Where treatment is required
very little reliance is placed on written communications,
personal interview by the School Medical Officer or School
Nurse being secured wherever possible, and to this method
of procedure, much of the success of the work is due.
Co operation of Teachers.
Acknowledgment may be made here of the willing
co-operation of the teachers in medical inspection and in
sending up cases requiring treatment. Following up and
medical treatment are carried out by the School Nursing
staff, and the assistance of the teachers is less required in
connection with these.
In almost every instance the same remarks as to willing
co-operation applies to the daily visits of the Nurses to the
schools, although in connection with the exclusion of
children who appear unfit the question is looked at from a