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33
School Work.
The use of such apparatus, etc., is not to be considered parochial
relief—Local Authorities may expend any reasonable sum on
buildings, appliances and attendants.
The need for provision under this Act has become very apparent
since School Medical Inspection was started. It should, however'
be remembered that cleansing a verminous child, and then sending
him home to sleep in a verminous bed, is of no use. There must be
a thorough house cleansing at the same time.
Under this heading it is interesting to refer to Section 122 of
the Children Act, which states that "if the School Medical Officer
is of opinion that the person and clothing of any child is verminous
or in a foul and filthy condition, notice shall be given to the parent
or guardian to cleanse the person and clothing of the child in 24
hours. If this is not done, the child may be removed from the
school and properly cleansed in suitable premises." It also states
that "should the child get filthy and verminous again, the parent or
guardian on conviction will be fined a sum not exceeding 10s."
The probabilities are that the child will become verminous again
because the home conditions have not been dealt with.
With the help of the Health Visitor, who also acts as School
Nurse, it is hoped that in future these cases will be more closely
followed up and remedied.
NOTIFICATIONS OF DIRTY HOMES BY SCHOOL
NURSES.
Number of Notifications received in 1913 6
Number of Homes visited by staff of Public Health
Department 6
Number of Homes disinfected 3
Number of Notices served upon owners in consequence of
these visits 0