CARE OF SCHOOL CHILDREN

Southland Times, Issue 24240, 25 September 1940, Page 6

CARE OF SCHOOL CHILDREN

Minister Outlines Reform Plans

CHANGE IN MEDICAL INSPECTION SYSTEM

(United Press Association)

CHRISTCHURCH, September 24. A big change in the system of medical inspection and care of all school children and greatly-improved physical training are two of the major features of the educational reform planned by the Government under the guidance of the Minister of Education (the Hon. H. G. R. Mason). Details of what the Government is now doing and intends to do to improve the welfare of the children in its care ’in all schools throughout the Dominion were given by the Minister to three schools he visited in Christchurch today. They were listed by the Minister as follows:

Milk In Schools.—The Minister explained that every endeavour had been made by the department to have free issues of milk for children in all schools. This had not yet been accomplished, but was a long way towards achievement. Where fresh milk was not available malted milk was given and had proved a good substitute. Careful tests and examinations had been made of the effects of the milk issue and now it was no longer a matter of opinion, but had definitely been proved that .children were very .much better through being given milk. Dental Services —More dental - nurses (were being trained;- the Minister said, I in the big new training-school recently opened in Wellington. The. dental services now available were extensive, but had to be improved,' and soon there would be considerably--more nurses to attend the ' dental treatment- of a great many more- children. Physical Trainirig.—The"Minister emphasized that the department he controlled intended ■-to improve, very greatly . the facilities for the physical training of • all school, children. • All Governments had- ; been definite about the necessity for extensive physical training, he said, but, the present Government had: come to a decision to bring about, great improvements in the system. Excellent physical drill was going to be a bigger feature for all children in the near future, arid it would not be long before they had specially-trained .teachers whowould . see . that all children were made physically fit and fine specimens. Both boys and girls would benefit. The Minister said that he had Seen 'soriiething of the new methods and he was sure they would delight children: of all. ages. Medical .Inspection.—Mr Mason said that the existing system of medical inspection of children in schools was not as universal or. systematic as it ought to be. It had now been decided to-irri-prove the: system and in the-near future there would be such a close scheme of inspection that it would, be impossible for a child to escape, observation who had any discoverable def bet that could be put right by medical cafe. Kindergarten Minister expressed his pleasure that;.the Govern-, merit had been able to restore grants to kindergartens; Those institutions, he said, were . doing fine service in giving the children as early attention as possible. . -