MEDICAL INSPECTION OF SCHOOLS 



"It is founded on a recognition of the close connection which 

 exists between the physical and mental condition of the children and the 

 whole process of education. It recognizes the importance of a satis- 

 factory environment, physical and educational, and, by bringing into 

 greater prominence the effect of environment upon the personality of 

 the individual child, seeks to secure ultimately for every child, normal 

 or defective, conditions of life compatible with that full and effective 

 development of its organic functions, its special senses and its mental 

 powers which constitutes a true education." 



It will be observed that the burden of executing the pro- 

 visions of the statute is specifically laid upon the education author- 

 ities. This is a distinct departure from the established course 

 heretofore pursued in matters relating to the public health. In 

 the view of the English Board of Education, however, the 

 present act is not intended to supersede the powers which have 

 long been exercised by sanitary authorities under various public 

 health acts, but is meant to serve rather as an amplification and 

 a natural development of previous legislation. In order that 

 friction between the education and health authorities may be 

 avoided, if possible, the board of education in this memorandum 

 advises a thorough and friendly co-operation with such authorities 

 in the administration of the law. 



The second most noticeable feature about the act is that 

 it makes medical inspection compulsory. Theretofore, medical 

 inspection had been more or less in vogue in various localities 

 under the supervision of the education authorities, sometimes in 

 conjunction with the health authorities. The central authority 

 for the execution of the law is the board of education. The 

 instruments of the board are the local education authorities. In 

 country areas this local authority is the county council. It is 

 suggested in the memorandum that the county council instruct 

 the county medical officer to advise the education committee 

 and to supervise the new work. It is also suggested that the 

 county medical officer have an assistant appointed by the county 

 council, whose duty shall be the inspection provided for by the 

 statute. 



In county boroughs the town council, which is at the same 

 time the local authority for public health and the local education 



