Spina bifida children attending ordinary schools.

From September 1971 to September 1973 a policy was actively followed in South Gloucestershire of placing spina bifida children in ordinary schools wherever possible. This was achieved successfully in 14 cases out of a possible 24. Special attention was paid to the selection of children and schools. The main contraindications to attendance at ordinary school were: below average intelligence, special perceptual problems, the need for intensive physiotherapy, and problem incontinence-particularly infaecal continence. Success often depended on special provisions-for example, transport, aids to mobility, peripatetic physiotherapists. Personal attendants (welfare assistants) could be allocated to each of the more severely handicapped children. The lack of facilities for handicapped pupils in comprehensive schools is a matter needing urgent review.