Melton Constable History

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The Infants School
Log Books 1905 - 1914

Important Mile Stones

School built at Melton Constable in 1896
Before the School opened the children went to school at Briston and Swanton Novers School
The School Log Book starts on 1st March 1897
12th March 1898 - plans approved for enlargement of the school building
6th April 1900 - new classrooms are finished
1901 Census - Alfred Hamer, School Headmaster
1st December 1904 - Infant Class made into a separate School

School Log 1905

13th Jan 1905 - This school reopened on the 9th January after two weeks Christmas vacation. The Object lessons were given on An Apple and The Lion. A Half-Holiday was given on the afternoon of the 13th January for good attendance during the preceding month. EP {Emily Parlett}
20th Jan 1905 - The Object lessons were given on a Tiger and Soap.
The Staff of the school is as under:-
1) Emily Parlett (Certificated)
2) Constance Stolworthy (Art 50)
3) Lilian Armstrong (Art 68)
4) Emily Cork (Canidate)
The following is a list of Object lessons for the Infants
The Rabbit, The Spider, An Orange, The Cow, Sugar, A Horse, Tea, The Tiger, A Cup & Saucer, Coal, An Egg, The Sun, A Carrot, Water, Soap, A Chair, The Bee, An Apple, The Lion
17th Feb 1905 - The general course of instruction has been pursued during the week. Object lessons were given on The Spider and An Orange. A visit was paid on the 13th by one of the managers.
24th Feb 1905 - C. Stolworthy has passed King’s scholarship and is now Art 50
3rd March 1905 - New Kindergarten materials were received and the work commenced on March 1st
20th April 1905 - The school closes at Noon today for the Easter Holidays until May 2nd.
The ordinary routine of lessons has been pursued and fair progress made.
5th May 1905 - Nine children were admitted on the 2nd May. Object lessons were given on a Cat and a Horse. E.P.
12th May 1905 - Lessons on a Bird’s Nest and a Cow were taken this week for the babies and the older scholars were taken with a lesson on a Fire Engine and a Dog. The usual routine of lessons was followed according to the time table. E.P.
26th Sept 1905 - The attendance on Monday was very poor owing to the extremely wet day.
29th Sept 1905 - Mr Marriott visited the school on Wednesday afternoon, he checked the registers
23rd Oct 1905 - The attendance has been very poor owing to the prevalence of mumps among the children. Miss Cork is absent through illness
17th Nov 1905 - H.M.I. Mr Parkinson paid a short visit on order to hear Miss Armstrong read & recite for scholarship
24th Nov 1905 - On Friday Nov 24th the Boys & Girls Dept. Had the Attendance holiday which we had failed to earn owing to the great among of sickness prevalent. We had Games & a Concert during the afternoon
15th Dec 1905 - The Attendance is still very poor, the children are very queer, some of them with whooping cough.
Average for the week ending Dec 15th - 64. No on books 86. Admitted one{child} and one left.

School Log 1906

9th Jan 1906 - Resumed school after the Christmas Vacation. Admitted three children. Attendance is still very poor, several children are absent owing to whooping cough
30th March 1906 - Mr Cox visited school on question of Staff.
Average for week 79.3. Children suffering from bad colds, etc.
27th April 1906 - School reopened after the easter Holiday on April 24th. 16 children were admitted and one left through illness. The average for the week is 100.2 and percentage 93.6.
On Friday morning I was unavoidably absent at the opening of school N. Locke
10th Sep 1906 - School was reopened this morning after a long vacation owning to building alterations. 18 children were admitted which makes a total of 109 {children} on books.
A change in the staff has been made whereby Miss Stolworthy Art 50 has been replaced by Miss Frances Austin Pupil Teacher and Miss Ivy Fisher a Candidate.
Miss E. Cork failed to pass her Candidate Examination. She has therefore left the school.
9th Oct 1906 - I resumed duties this morning after an enforced absence of six days owing to the death of my father. I found everything in good order. I acquainted Mr Newman with my absence on September 28th. I should have commenced on Monday afternoon but missed the connecting trains.
No on books 112. Average for week ending 5th October 104.6 percentage 93.3
14th Dec 1906 - The Attendance has not been so good owing to sickness. But, owing to the Decorations and the interest of the Xmas tree it was considerably better at the end of last week.
E. E. Locke

School Log 1907

1st Jan 1907 - School reopened this morning after only a week's holiday. The attendance was very poor only 78 {children} being present out of 111.
1st Feb 1907 - Ivy Fisher, Junior candidate was absent on Monday owing to a severe cold. Miss E. Groom, from Brinton, started today on her months training for a Supplementary Teacher. The attendance has again been very poor owing to the weather and sickness. Mr Cox came through just for a few minutes.
12th April 1907 - We reopened school on Tuesday morning after the Easter Holidays. Admitted 9 children. 120 on books. Average for week 109.4. Percentage 91.1 N. Locke
7th June 1907 - Attendance Holiday given. No on books 133. Average for yar ending May 31st 1907 101.2. Had to complain of the untidy manner in which school has been cleaned for last few months. It has been better since Thursday delivery note
5th July 1907 - Attendance Holiday given. Average 125.8. No on books 135. 16 children absent because of the wet morning
12th July 1907 - Received prizes from Jarrold & Sons. Number of Delivery note 1369.
Mr Johnson paid a visit of Inspection on Tuesday July 9th. Had a half holiday July 1st for S.S. Treat. {possibly Sunday School Treat}
19th July 1907 - No on books 1835. Percent 87.7. Average 118.5. Numbers are low this week because of sickness in children absent with Measles.
12th Sept 1907 - Wallace Ribbons will be 7 years old in October but as he has rickets, he is not being sent up to Std I. He started school on 1st July 1907 for the first time.
I am keeping Samuel Adams down by request of his parents, he has rickets and must not be pushed. He attended school for the first time Sep 10th 1906. He will be 7years old on Feb 2nd 1908. Herbert Hunt is very delicate, must not be pushed. He will be 7 years in December 1907. He has made 161 attendances for yr 1906 - 1907 & 97 for yr ending 1905 - 1906
20th Sept 1907 - Had to send two children home on account of chicken pox. There are six cases in the school. No on books 102 average 91
11th Oct 1907 - The Attendance has been very bad this week owing to the outbreak of chicken pox. No on books 100. Average 74.6 Percent 74.6
15th Nov 1907 - Attendance is still very poor several children are still absent through sickness
20th Dec 1907 - We close today for the Xmas holiday of one week. (Dec 20th Noon till 9am 31st Dec). Children had a Xmas tree on Thursday afternoon. A good number of children's mothers came and much appreciated the breaking up.
31st Dec 1907 - We reopened school on Dec 31st after only one week’s holiday. The children turned up very badly only 77 out of 100 children. The school room was quite unfit for either 5
teachers or children being quite wet and cold from the recent washing of the floors.

School Log 1908

10th Jan 1908 - The Attendance is decidedly improved this week although not so good as it might be. No on book 99
21st Feb 1908 - Miss Calvert from Sheringham has been appointed as a Supplementary Teacher. The attendance has been better this week. But the dust caused by the Dancing Class is very much against both Teachers & children keeping well. The school is in a shocking condition as regards dust and dirt. The windows are filthy & have never been cleaned since the August Holidays. There are three or four desks quite broken since the dancing has been allowed.
3rd March 1908 - Report by Mr Tillard H.M.I. after visit of 13th Feb 1908.
The older Infants are cramped for space and free movements are impossible in the present conditions. The Baby Class on the other hand has very ample space. It is suggested that the partition should be moved 7 or 8 feet towards the south end of the room, so as to afford more floor space for the older Infants.
The children are bright and responsive and the time table is well varied.
Bd of E remarks {Board of Education} I am to enquire whether the Authority are prepared to adopt H.M. Inspectors recommendation that the position of the partition in the Infants Dept should be altered. E. E. Locke
13th March 1908 - The attendance is still very bad owing to sickness amongst children. There are several cases of Measles. No on books 101.
20th March 1908 - The attendance is still very bad owing to the bad weather partly but more especially to the sickness which is so prevalent. Average 85.9. No on books 102.
I had to make complaint to the Managers concerning the very dirty and slovenly habits of the caretakers. The dust and dirt is shocking and every morning I have to spend quite a quarter of an hour dusting and making the surface of things look presentable. The outside offices have never been properly flashed since Xmas. They are in a shocking condition. {outside offices means the outside toilets}
27th March 1908 - The attendance has fallen very considerably this week on account of measles. Today only 68 out of 104 being present
8th May 1908 - We reopened school on Monday 4th May after an absence of 4 weeks through Measles. The attendance has been very low, just half of number of children being present.
Average for week 62.1. No on books 106
Frances Austin has come back for the present term, she has been to Centre since Xmas. There are two fresh cases of whooping cough, and I had to send two suspicious cases home. E.E. Locke
15th May 1908 - The attendance is still very bad owing to Whooping cough. No on books 108. Average 60.6
5th June 1908 - We closed this morning for the Whit holiday. June 5th - 15th. There are still a number of children absent through Whooping cough. No on Books 111
19 June 1908 - We resumed work on Tuesday morning. Admitted 5 children. There are still a number of children absent through whooping cough.
3rd July 1908 - The attendance has been better again - but there are two or three fresh cases of whooping cough. No on books 118
24th July 1908 - H.M.I. Mr Johnson paid a short visit on July 21st. Admitted two children making a total of 120 on books.
4th Sept 1908 - We reopened on Tuesday morning Sept 1at. 78 children were present. We admitted four children. 32 children were transferred to the Upper Depart. There are 91 on books,
18th Sept 1908 - Me Cox paid a short visit on Sept 17th. Several children have been absent through cold, thus making the average low. No on books 92. Average 79.8.
Mrs Symonds the caretaker kept her little girl at home for two and a half days, because child was sent home for a hank:{Handkerchief} which her teacher saw her pick up and pocket. Mrs Symonds sent an insulting note, saying child had been called a thief. {by the teacher} Child returned on Friday morning.
Measured the rooms again: Correct measurements are
Large room 40 x 18 allow 80 children
Baby room 20 x 18 allow 40 children
Total 120 children
Reckoning on 9ft basis. E. E. Locke.
30th Oct 1908 - Attendance holiday given, attendance very much better, children are freer from colds etc then they have been for some time.
16th Nov 1908 - We started coming in at 1.45 in the afternoon on Nov 9th. This causes a slight alteration to be made in the time table. Lessons will be taken a quarter of an hour earlier. I had to send the two little Mallets home on Nov 21st because of their dirty heads. Mrs Mallet sent a very insulting note because of it and kept the children at home for six meetings, until the Attendance Officer fetched them. E. E. Locke
20th Nov 1908 - Mrs Mallet has sent the children to school again in a much cleaner condition. Charlie Suffolk has a bad face so will very likely be obliged to stay from school until sores are better.
11th Dec 1908 - Attendance has been slightly better this week, but there are still many cases of bad coughs & colds. The room is so badly warmed that I am afraid the children will suffer very much this winter.

School Log 1909

12th Jan 1909 - I have been obliged to stay away from school for four days owing to sickness. I returned on Jn 11th and found everything in satisfactory order. The children are fairly free from cold just at present. E. E. Locke.
5th Feb 1909 - There has been no improvement in the cleaning etc. The fired are still lighted late and the coal boxes are never properly filled. The different items I asked to be attended to have been ignored except the cleaning of windows. The rooms are still very cold in the mornings & both teachers & children are suffering from the effect of it. I myself have had Rheumatism & I am sure these cold rooms are greatly responsible. I have not been able to get into school until just on 9 o’clock each morning this week & this morning it was a few minutes after 9 am. The attendance is about the same. E. E. Locke
19th Feb 1909 - There has been little or no improvement in the cleaning of rooms, etc. I am leaving them as they are, in order that my words may be proved. The dirt on window ledges etc is dreadful. The fires are a bit better, although one morning the whole of front grate was out and fire was in the hearth.
25th Feb 1909 - I was a bit late again this morning. In fact, I have been late a few minutes every morning this week owing to my bad knee which has to be dressed each morning. Shall hope to alter all this next week as it is improving fast. Miss Calvert and Miss Armstrong have got the children into their places, and everything has been done correctly, and I always find things in order. E. E. Locke
22nd March 1909 - I returned to school this morning after an absence of several days owing to the unfit condition of my knee, which has been injured. I have suffered very much since Christmas with rheumatism. The school is still very cold. The children seemed to be fairly well just at present. I found everything correct on my return. E. E. Locke
26th Feb 1909 - The average and percentage is decidedly better this week. The cleanliness of the rooms, however, is in a chronic condition. The cobwebs and dust is simply shocking.
E. E. Locke
20th Apr 1909 - I was sent by the Norfolk Education Committee to take charge of this school during the absence of Miss Locke. Admitted 7 new children. E. R. Davey
30th April 1909 - Attendance for this morning owing to a snow and hail storm just at the time the children would start for school. Average for the weight 95.4, percentage 94.4.
3rd May 1909 - Miss Culvert absent today with ‘neuralgia’.
7th May 1909 - My temporary child charge of this school finishes today. Number on books 103 .Average full week 96.7. Percentage 93.9. Attendance half holiday given today. E. R. Davey
10th May 1909 - Took temporary charge of this school during illness of head teacher. Edith Scott, Certificated Teacher (27221).
14th May 1909 - Found school very dusty this morning. Attendance officer visited school.
Number on roll 105. Average attendance for week 95.4, Percent 90.8. I resigned my temporary charge of this school. Edith Scott.
17th May 1909 - This morning have taken charge of school as Miss Locke is still ill. M. Scholes (Perm Supply)
21st May 1909 - Percentage this week 92% Several children absent on account of chickenpox in the family.
25th May 1909 - Attendance officer called today. But was unable to go to see parents as he had got very wet in coming to the school.
28th May 1909 - Close school this morning at 11:50 AM for Whitsuntide Holiday. Percentage this week has fallen owing to several wet days 88.4. Received delivery note No 981 dated 27/5/09 for registers and summary also same.
8th June 1909 - Finished temporary duties here today. No on books 109 Mary Scholes
9th June 1909 - Took charge of this school this morning as Mistress is ill. G. V. Brown C.T. (Loddon Infants)
11th June 1909 - Attendance has suffered from chicken pox this week.
Copy of report made by H.M.I. Mr A Johnson after visit of Jan 27th1909.
The temperature in all the rooms is much too low in the early morning. More careful attention should be given to the fires before the opening of the school. Arrangements for warming the Infants rooms are inadequate. One of the fires smoke badly at times. On the occasion of the visit of inspection, each of the thermometers in each in these rooms registered 40° at 9:00 AM, rising to 49° and 47°, respectively, at noon.
18th June 1909
School closed at noon today as a good attendance was made during the month of May. I resigned charge of the school at noon. G.V. Brown.
21st June 1909 - I Ellen L. Edwards take temporary charge of this school, in place of head teacher who is away ill.
13th July 1909 - Received prizes and certificates for attendance from Jarrold's and Sons.
20th July 1909 - School closed at Noon today for Summer Vacation 4 weeks 1 day
2nd Sept 1909 - I resumed my duties on this date after an absence of five months. Admitted two children, 71 on books. The rooms have been freshly cleaned and painted. E. E. Locke
8th Oct 1909 - We are having an attendance holiday this afternoon. The managers have given me permission to have a short time off on Monday morning as I am unable to get suitable trains for opening of school. E. E. Locke
22nd Oct 1909 - Attendance has not been quite so good owing to colds etc. No on Books 76 Percent 91.4. Average 69.7.
23rd Dec 1909 - Report of H.M.I 23rd Dec 1909
A) Generally speaking, the children are trained and taught on the right lines. They are fond of their teachers and respond brightly to their efforts. In the conversation lessons, there is some danger of the free talking leading to confusion.
B) One of the teachers is leaving. The opportunity should be taken of strengthening the staff by the appointment of an assistant who has already received good training.
C) Infants. Premises. The partition has been (moved) shifted and the warming improved. The new radiator should be protected by a guard as it gets very hot. E. E. Locke

School Log 1910

24th Jan 1910 - I have been obliged to write another note. Re the broken window. It has been broken ever since we came back from the Christmas holiday. I have already written 3 or 4 times about it, but so far no notice seems to be taken of it. The weather is very cold and three or four children are already suffering from the effects of the draft. E. E. Locke
4th Feb 1910 - The attendance has not been so good this week owing to the snow and severe weather. Jacky Jamison has the mumps. Several children are suffering from cold and sickness. Average only 63.0. Percent 77.3. Number on books 82.
18th Feb 1910 - The attendance has been extremely poor for the last three weeks. Children are suffering from influenza and colds. No on books 82 Average 63.9 percent 78.4.
12th April 1910 - The Medical Dr was here today for examination of children. E. E. Locke
8th July 1910 - We had a half holiday today for attendance. The average is very low this week owing to the bad weather and colds. No on books 101 percent 76.4. Average 78.2.
25th Jul 1910 - I am keeping Gerty Walpole and Bertie Thompson in the Infants room for another year. B. Thompson's parents wished that he should not be pressed. G. Walpole has only recently begun to pick up with the present second class. She is very slow and I think will profit by a longer stay in the Infants room. There are several children who will be 7 at the end of next year. Viz August. 1911. F. Leeder, S. Fields, S. Holbrook, P. Vince, L. English, F. Riches, D. Blaxter, D. Clark. All these children are unsuited for Std I this year. E..E. Locke
2nd Sept 1910 - We reopened the school on Tuesday, August 30th after a month vacation. Admitted two children. Numbers are rather low just at present. Miss Armstrong has left and as yet no one has come to fill her space.
9th Sept 1910 - Miss Ryan has been appointed Assistant Mistress in the place of Miss Armstrong. She started duties on September the 5th, 1910.
16th Sept 1910 - I received the new handbook from attendance officer today. The attendance has been very poor again owing to the wet weather.
23rd Sept 1910 - Miss Ryan, who has been appointed assistant mistress, is not able to play the piano as she stated on her form of application. Therefore, I have to take that piece of work in addition to the singing. I am afraid she is not suitable for little children. Three times this week she has insulted me and today she has again been most rude. E. E. Locke
7th Oct 1910 - I admitted four children this week. This brings the numbers to a total of 76. Average 66.4 percent 87.3. I have moved Miss Ryan from the first class to the second. She does not appear to be suitable even for the little ones. She is constantly leaving her class to walk about the room. This she did for 10 or 12 times in one morning, leaving the children in an uproar............She is quite overbearing. The children in her class are very disordered. There is no brightness or alertness. E. E. Locke
17th Oct 1910 - Miss Ryan took charge of the baby room, during Miss Calvert's absence yesterday. Miss Ryan marked the baby register with black ink yesterday morning 17/10/10. Children so marked were all punctual. I have made a note of this error in register. E. E. Locke
18th Oct 1910 - I have reorganised my staff. It has been very inconvenient and awkward having improper playing for the games, marching, exercises, etc. and singing. It has disarrayed the baby room, through having Miss Culvert leave them to play for my room. On the other hand, it is not good training for children to have teachers back turned to them, which must be so when I play. I have therefore decided to put Miss Ryan in the baby room. Her appointment was in place of the baby teacher. (but Miss Culvert wanted a little experience in baby room work), but now Miss Calvert will resume her former position in my room. I have arranged for Miss Ryan to watch and observe the baby room methods etc. before removing Miss Calvert. And I have given her the Syllabus and there is a Time Table for her to follow, E. E. Locke
27th Oct 1910 - Miss Ryan has again been insubordinate and rude over quite a small matter. She continues to answer me back whenever I request her to do the slightest thing which she does not think she ought to do. She has been quite contrary to all my wishes again this week. Three times this week I have asked for a picture of the nursery rhyme Sing a Song of Sixpence, but so far - Thursday Noon - it has not been done. Thursday afternoon, picture still undone. E. E. Locke
1st Nov 1910 - Miss Buckingham started as an Assistant Mistress Supplementary on October the 31st, 1910. She has taken the place of Miss Calvert. I am trying one or two alterations in the baby timetable. I have introduced a morning talk and lesson on building, form and colour. Also an additional conversational lesson in the afternoon. We start today the winter arrangement or commencing afternoon school at 1:45 PM and closing at 3:30 PM.
2nd Nov 1910 - On Tuesday afternoon, 1/11/10 - Miss Ryan was taken suddenly ill. I found her lying on the floor in an apparently unconscious condition. I called in Mr Hamer and he fetched Dr Skrimshire. Miss Ryan soon recovered consciousness. Miss Buckingham took her lesson.
2nd Nov 1910 - Examined registers and counted children. Everything correct with exception that one child Edwards, who should have been in Miss Ryan's class was missing. Miss Ryan did not know where she was, nor did she, Miss Ryan, appear certain for what time she had been away. I am convinced Child had been present during session but owing to uncertainty of length of time her attendance was cancelled. A. Q. Newman|
21st Nov 1910 - Today I had to speak to Miss Ryan about her unpunctuality. She frequently gets to school two or three minutes after the time of opening viz 9:00 am and 1:45 pm.
6th Dec 1910 - Miss Buckingham has been absent today through an accident to her hand which she has burnt very badly. We are having a day's holiday tomorrow for the election 7/12/10. We reopen on Thursday morning. E. E. Locke
8th Dec 1910 - Miss Buckingham returned on Thursday after an absence of two days
9th Dec 1910 - We reopened on Thursday morning after the Election Holiday. The average for week ending is 61.3. Percent 79. No on books 78.

School Log 1911

16th Jan 1911 - Mr Johnson H.M.I. paid a short visit on Monday. He saw Miss Buckinghams work in order that she might be recognised as a Supplementary Teacher at this school
27th Jan 1911 - The attendance has been very bad this week owing to children suffering from severe bronchial colds and sore throats. Numbers on book 80 percent 73, Average 58.4.
3rd Feb 1911 - Mr. Johnson H.M.I visited us on Wednesday, February 1st. The temperature of the rooms was very low but became a bit better towards noon. The children are still suffering from bad colds.
28th Feb 1911 - We had a visit from the N.E.C’s Medical Doctor today. {Norfolk Education Committee}
12th April 1911 - I have had to make complaint to Miss Ryan with regard to the untidy appearance of her room. Yesterday she let the children draw with chalk all over the classroom floor, which of course gave a most unsightly appearance to the room. This she did because we had the concert platform up and her cupboard was locked. The caretakers made complaint to me of the same thing. I have spoken to Miss Ryan about the general untidy aspect of her room, also of her habit of leaving her apparatus out in the evening. I have also spoken again about her coming so late in the morning. Sometimes it is 10 minutes past 9:00. She says she is too tired. E. E. Locke
12th April 1911 - We had a most successful concert on Friday, April the 7th. So many had to go home because of insufficient room. We repeated the concert on Monday, April the 10th. Funds realise were £6 5s (net profit £3 13s). This will be spent on pictures and toys for the school.
26th April 1911 - Mr Deeks visited us on Tuesday afternoon re. Miss Ryans salary increase, of which has been deferred.
12th May 1911 - Admitted two children this week, making a total of 86 on books. The Whit holiday has been altered because of the nearness of the Coronation and Royal Show. Holiday is to be as follows from Friday noon, June 2nd - June 7th, 9:00 am. Whit holiday from June 21st afternoon to June 26th Coronation. From June 29th afternoon to July 3rd - Royal Show
16th June 1911 - The attendance is still poor. There are so many children who stay away for half days. We are trying to remedy this by having something special in the way of lessons etc. On Friday afternoons. Admitted two children, making a total of 96.
21st June 1911 - We close today for the coronation holiday. We reopen on July 3rd.
We open the school at 1:00 pm today and closed at 2:45 pm.
14th Jul 1911 - Miss Buckingham was absent on Tuesday as witness in case of stealing of postal order.
15th Sept 1911 - I have again experienced unpleasantness in connection with children having a dirty head. Cathy Stone was sent home in order that I had might be attended to. She is not naturally dirty, and I thought it best not to delay, her mother took offence.
21st Aug 1911 - We resumed work on August 28 after the summer vacation of one month, July 28th to August 28th. Admitted three children.
The staff for ensuring year is as follows.
E. E. Locke (Std) First class.
A. E. Buckingham (Supp) second class.
E. M Ryan (Un Cert) Babies.
Transfer 27 children to the mixed department.
8th Sept 1911 - I received six more pictures from the frame manufacturers on Thursday. This makes a total of 17 frame pictures for the use of the Infant School in the place of the old canvas pictures. I have used the last-mentioned pictures for decorating the baby room round lower portion of the wall in the form of a freeze. Rooms begin to look very attractive and pleasant and will do so in an even greater degree when I received the rest of the framed pictures. The attendance has been very good, but not quite so good as last week.
10th Oct 1911 - We had an attendance all day on Friday October the 6th. The average for the week was 67.8%, percent 89.3. No on books 76. Charlie Masters was to have gone to New Zealand but through an accident to the ship the journey is delayed. I have had to re-admit him on the registers as his mother wishes him to attend school whilst they are waiting.
15th Nov 1911 - Copy of report inspected on October 6, 1911.
Report by H.M.I A.M. Moore Esq.
Infants. Registration:
The admission register has not been indexed since 11th May 1905. The list of withdrawals is also incomplete.
Apparently, there is no clock in the school.
15th Nov 1911 - Miss Ryan is absent through sickness.
17th Nov 1911 - The attendance has been very good again this week. Average 70.2. No on books 78 Percent 90. The percentage for the past month was 90.7. We have therefore gained another attendance holiday, which we shall take next Friday, November 24th. To encourage the children and because they have been extremely good. The majority have worked very hard for the holiday. I have given them a small tea party this afternoon which we took during the play time and the last lesson, which was optional. Mr Deeks called for a short visit.
20th Nov 1911 - Miss Ryan resumed duties on Monday 20/11/11 after an absence of 3 days through illness.
13th Dec 1911 - Miss Ryan has again been insubordinate in refusing to do what I asked of her this afternoon. The baby room was very cold, the fire was only a mere handful of cinders, and one of the big windows was wide open. I asked her to shut the window and to make the room warmer. For a long time she refused. After some insistence, she at last did so. A rough wind was blowing, and the room was cold and chilly. After shutting the window in question, Miss Ryan opened the one next to it, which, of course, was equally bad. I have taken the cords from these two windows as during the winter, they cannot often be used without big draughts resulting, which means a lot of earache and toothache. Miss Ryan has more than once been insubordinate on this point, and twice already this week I have had to employ Mr Hamers boys to put the cords etc. right as she has a happy knack of disarranging them and thus preventing the windows from being shut.
14th Dec 1911 - I forgot to enter the fact that Miss Ryan had broken her thermometer and so the exact degrees could not be entered.
15th Dec 1911 - Miss Ryan seems to be determined to be contrary as regards the heating & warmth of her room. Yesterday She made-up a tremendously large fire at 3:00 pm, so that when the caretaker came at 3:30 pm, he was unable to proceed with his cleaning of the grate. The fire was so large that Miss Ryan had to move from her usual place, in front of the fire to stand in the open doorway. The door was open all the afternoon and two windows.

School Log 1912

19th Jan 1912 - The attendance has been very poor own owing to sickness and colds amongst the children. The rooms have been very cold again, the thermometer registering only 39°. 49° and 42° for three mornings this week.
23rd Jan 1912 - We had a visit from Dr Campbell today. Children were examined by him.
This morning, I asked Miss Ryan if she had seen my new Clock; after vehemently assuring me that she knew nothing about it. She suddenly informed me that I was to have an Attorney's letter about the clock. The fact is the breaking up morning, I saw her rush into the classroom, snatch up the clock and rush off. I wondered why she did this and sent Miss Buckingham to inquire what she had done with the clock. Miss Ryan came rushing back and asked if I thought she had stolen my clock. I said “no, but I wondered why she had taken the clock”. Apparently, Miss Ryan had brought her own clock that morning. I said, “I was sorry, but that it was quite all right”. Miss Ryan remarked that no one could have a joke in Melton without people thinking things were true. Miss Ryan has continued to threaten me about Attorneys letter, but I have paid no attention. E. E. Locke
24th Jan 1912 - Miss Ryan is working herself up into a great pitch of excitement about the matter of the clock. This morning at 12:00 she came running into my room and shouted out that she was not going to stay till 1:00 anymore out of her turn, that it was my turn to stay, etc, etc. Then she ran out. Came back running back to reiterate the fact. Then she run out, snatched her clothes and run out of the school. The whole of the time she was talking to me, she was running backwards and forwards. E. E. Locke
25th Jan 1912 - This afternoon Miss Ryan came to me in a great state of excitement, saying that some of the little ones who were out to play were knocking on her door, and that it was all because of the clock. I had to try and pacify her, but she had worked herself up into a terrible passion. She, of course, again threatened me with the Attorney's letter.
29th Jan 1912 - Miss Ryan was absent this morning, she apparently went to London during weekend and lost return train. She attended afternoon school.
30th Jan 1912 - Miss Ryan asked me this morning if I was going to write a letter of apology to her. I said, certainly not. There the matter dropped.
8th Feb 1912 - Miss Ryan took charge of the whole school today, Miss Locke being absent all day. The children were very good, and the work went on most satisfactorily and pleasantly.
Ellen M. Ryan
12 Feb 1912 - I resumed my duties this morning after an enforced absence of two days through influenza. E.E. Locke
29th Feb 1912 - Miss Ryan left today. So far no one has been appointed in her place.
10th May 1912 - I was obliged to stay away from school on Wednesday afternoon. Away all-day Thursday on account of a severe attack of Rheumatism.
12 Jul 1912 - Miss Culling started upon her duties as Assistant Mistress on Monday, July 8th. There are three or four cases of chickenpox. This has been reported to Doctor Nash and to Doctor Fisher, Medical Officer.
26th July 1912 - The attendance has been very poor again this week. There are 6 cases of chickenpox, about four or five suspected cases where children are poorly and away from school. Monday morning was very, very wet. A severe storm was on just as children were coming to school. Attendance was only 57. We are having a tea party today during last lesson. Children have been promised this for good behaviour etc.
17th Sept 1912 - There are now 67 children on books. The numbers are very low, so few new children admitted. The attendance is fairly good, but two or three children have not yet returned from summer holidays.
27th Sept 1912 - Mr Key H.M.I. visited us this morning. There were 60 children present. There are several suspicious cases of whooping cough. Children have very bad coughs and colds. We have just managed to earn a half holiday.
11th Oct 1912 - The average full four week is very low owing to several cases of whooping cough. There have been 20 children absent through this cause. Average 49.8. No on books 67. Mrs Culling paid us a visit on Monday. She was very kind to the children, supplying them with sweets etc. Minnie Barsted got a bad knock on the rocking horse on Monday morning but is quite alright now.
17th Oct 1912 - We have closed this morning for three weeks from 17th oct - Nov 11th, because of the prevalence of Whooping cough. Number of children absent through this was 20. Average for week 47.1 No on books 68 Percent 69.2
11th Nov 1912 - We reopened this morning after closure of three weeks. 28 children present. 15 or 16 fresh cases of whooping cough reported to me. Elsie Drewry returned after exclusion of eight weeks. Doctor Nash advises a further extension of one week I have sent all necessary particulars to Doctor Nash. Doctor Fisher and to Mr A. Q. Newman
20th Dec 1912 - We close today for the Xmas vacation. 20th December - January 6th, 1913. I have made no set examinations of the children's work for this term. We had five weeks for whooping cough, and so few children have as yet returned, and those who are present are so poorly, and so many are again absent. I think it best to wait for a time. We had our breaking up party on Thursday afternoon, December 19th. I invited the mothers and a good number responded. The children enjoyed their Xmas Tree and plum puddings & everything went off very successfully. E. E. Locke

School Log 1913

10th Jan 1913 - We reopened on Monday January the 6th after the at Christmas vacation and Richard one girl. Miss Clara Rose Prouton was appointed to start duties on January 6th as a Monitress. The apparatus for boiler in stove got out of working order this week, but it is put right now.
31st Jan 1913 - The attendance is still very bad. So many children away through return of whooping cough. There are also two or three cases of Chicken pox. Then there are also two or three cases of “sores” which appears to be catching. No on books 68 Average 50 Precent 72.4
5th Feb 1913 - Doctor Campbell conducted medical examination today. He remarked upon the general cleanliness of the children. There were two or three children who spoiled the school, but notices were sent to parents calling attention to a condition of child.
19th Feb 1913 - There is a marked improvement in the attendants. Most of the sick children have returned. On St Valentine Day, Mr Coleman and Doctor Skrimshire sent the children some oranges and sweets for a Valentine. We had a Valentine party from play time until 4:00.
14th April 1913 - Mr Key visited us on Wednesday, April 9th. 66 children present. Several children still absent through chicken pox. Admitted one child this morning. Admitted four children after Easter holiday number on books 75.
4th July 1913 - Today we have attendance holiday. No on books is now 87. Miss N. Dennis and Miss C. Poulton had results of arithmetic and literature exam from Ayre’s Classes.
11th July 1913 - Mr G Clark and Mr. Evans visited school on Tuesday afternoon to check registers.
23rd July 1913 - I am not transferring the following children to Standard I owing to various reasons. Harold Allan and Hilda Dyble parents do not wish them to be pressed. M. Clarke, Walter Thompson, Albert Randall and Edmund Barrett are all delicate children and in my estimation will be better and benefit more by waiting till next year. Most of the children in first class will be a bit older than usual. Gordon Riseborough, Richard Barsted and Cyril Williamson have been delicate. Archie Hutchins is very dull. Ivy Burton has not been in school many months.
16th Sept 1913 - Miss Prouton was absent this afternoon because of visiting the Dentist; was unable to get back in time for school.

School Log 1914

6th Jan 1914 - I Ellen L. Edwards (Supply staff) take temporary charge of this school today, the headmistress being absent through illness. School should have returned yesterday the 5th, but the Staff being insufficient to carry on the school. It had to be closed for the day. Mrs Dunthorne also absent today through sickness. The staff therefore consists of two student teachers besides myself.
12th Jan 1914 - I admitted Ernest Thirtle today. He is 8 1/2 years old, but very small for his age and backward. He is evidently physically deficient.
9th Feb 1914 - Dr Campbell conducted the medical examination yesterday and commented upon the general physical fitness of the children.
11th Feb 1914 - I was absent yesterday and today, (the 11th & 12th) suffering from a bad influenza cold. Mrs Hamer was sent in by the managers yesterday afternoon.
16th Feb 1914 - Piano tuned today.
24th Feb 1914 - I, Mary Alice Hammer, take temporary charge of this school today. Mrs. Edwards left yesterday.
5th Marh 1914 - Mr Deeks paid a short visit this afternoon, watched the assembly and first part of the first lesson.
13th March 1914 - The attendance this week is not so good. A number of children have colds and toothaches, average 73.9.
18th March 1914 - Doctor Sumpter inspected the children's teeth.
23rd April 1914 - Several children have mumps. The attendance is poor this week owing to mumps and swelled glands.
29th April 1914 - Mr Key H.M.I. spent the morning here. He advised that the same style of writing be taught in this school as in the mixed department.
4th May 1914 - Inspected January 28th, 1914 by H.M.I., Mr A. M. Moore. Copy of Report Board of Education Remarks - Since the summer holidays, the staff has been insufficient for the purpose of Article 12(a) of the Code. Form 35, E 23rd of March 1914. The board should be informed what steps are being taken to strengthen the staff of the infants Department of this school.
22nd May 1914 - There are 16 more cases of mumps this week. Average this week 69.7 percent 77.4
28th May 1914 - Mr Tench, H.M.I. visited the school this morning to test the registers. He heard the children sing and questioned them about a picture on the wall.
8th June 1914 - We reopen school this morning with 81 children present. No on books 91. There are still some children absent on account of Mumps or swelled glands and one child, Audrey Wright, has sores on her hands and is not fit to be with other children.
9th June 1914 - I have received information that I have been appointed permanent head teacher of this school. Miss Locke has resigned in consequences of ill health. We are still in want of an assistant, and I am always in charge of a class. I cannot give such training to the Pupil Teachers as I should like to do. Mary A. Hamer
12th Jun 1914 - Copy of Report.
1. The staff is still insufficient for the purpose of Article 12 (a)
2. The head mistress resigned at Christmas after a period of ill health. Her successor is carrying on the work satisfactorily and the discipline has improved but owing to the lack of a second class teacher she is unable to supervise as she would wish.
3 Until a qualified assistant is appointed, the furniture should be arranged so that the Head Teacher need not turn her back on the Pupil Teachers.
Inspected on 29th of April 1914 reported by HMI Mr A. M. Moore.
27th July 1914 - Vivian Dennis and Clara R. Prouton returned to their school duties this morning. I have received information that Miss Lily A Prouton has been appointed Assistant in this school commencing from the 1st of August. Also, that Miss Ruth Graveling and Miss Maud Lambert have been appointed Pupil Teachers to commence duties on the 7th of September.
31st July 1914
We close today for the summer Vacation and reopen on the 7th of September.
No mention of start of War
7th Sept 1914 - Reopened school this morning. 64 children present. 26 children were transferred to Standard I. Three children have removed to other villages during the holidays. Seven children were kept down as I did not think they were fit for standard I.
The staff consists of
M. A Hamer - Head
L. A Prouton. - Un Cert Assist
C. R Prouton - Pupil Teacher
R. A Graveling - Pupil Teacher
M. Lambert - Monitress in the larger room and M. Dunthorne in the smaller room (B).
25th Sept 1914 - The attendance is very good, average 70.3 percentage 96.3. We have earned 1/2 holiday which we take next week. The percentage for this month is 96.3. The pupil teachers attend classes all day on Wednesday at the Railway Institute.
16th Oct 1914 - There are two cases of ringworm reported this week.
3rd Nov 1914 - Ruth Graveling granted a holiday to attend a confirmation service. We are opening school in the afternoon at ¼ to 2 during the winter months. Each lesson is therefore 1/4 of an hour before the time stated on the timetable.
26th Nov 1914 - Doctor Campbell conducted the medical examination. The children on the whole were in good condition.
17th Dec 1914 - We had the mothers at school this afternoon to see the children at work and to hear the singing and recitations.
23rd Dec 1914 - We close school this afternoon for the Christmas holidays, 2 weeks being allowed. Mrs E.G. Palmer very kindly sent the children some Crackers. Each child and teacher had a gift from Father Christmas and the “breaking up” was very enjoyable.
11th Jan 1915 - We opened school this morning, 62 children present.

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