ABSTRACT
The responsibility for setting up further agencies to assist the pupil of school age who is having particular difficulties or showing obvious signs of maladjustment lies with the local education authority. Authorities vary widely in the kind of system they have devised and the method of referral they wish to use and of course in the effectiveness of their service. Every teacher, however, has not only a need but a right to know what services exist and can give help in cases of difficulty. The Heads of most schools will be issued with a circular setting this out, but if this is not so or it is not available, write to the l.e.a. and ask for the information. Having the information does not then guarantee prompt and efficient service. Like all other services of this nature, there is a grave shortage of personnel. Although in recent years there has been a notable expansion in the numbers of child guidance clinics, for example, there has not been a corresponding rise in the numbers of psychologists. It is essential, however, that in relevant cases referral is made as there certainly won’t be the necessary improvement unless pressure is applied at the grass roots. There follows, therefore, a short breakdown of each kind of agency now available and the type of work they try to carry out.
