Edited School Log Books

Editors Note; These entries are reproduced verbatim, apart from some punctuation.

1878
Jan. 28th.  School reopened by Maria Ashby Certificated teacher of the 2nd class & Jane Pratt, Pupil teacher of the fifth year.
Oct 11th.  Friday. Several children away gathering acorns. Lady Neave visited on Wednesday afternoon. One child sent home for untidiness.

1879.
May 23rd.  One family consisting of 4 children absent with Scarlet Fever.
June 20th.  William Freeman died of Inflammation of the Lungs.
Oct 13th.  School reopened after 5 weeks holiday, Children being assembled the previous week & only mustering 39. Number very low, gleaning not yet over.

1880
Feb 13th.  The Rev A.C. Roberts visited this morning and said we had better close School for a week (on account of measles, coughs and colds).
May 13th.  Lost an infant suddenly by death.
July 8th.  School closed for a fortnight on account of Measles.

1882.
July 28th.  Some of the elder children away again & taken to work in the fields.
Dec 13th.  Punished W. Tudgay for obstinacy, (with the cane).

1884.
March 12th.  Four children sent home on account of Small Pox in their village.

1887.
Oct 12th.  Weather set in cold & damp. Fires commenced this week.

1888.
Jan 19th.  William Osborne punished for disobedience. Standard II had writing on slates, instead of Copy Books, this morning
                                         Copy of the H.M. Inspectors Report.
           "The thoroughly good order and pleasant tone of this School deserve all praise. It is in the quality of the children's work, especially in Mental Arithmetic. Problems, and answers to questions on the matter read, that there should be improvement. The Reading of the first and second standard is very fair and that of the higher classes’ fair, but throughout the Boys read in too rough a style. Composition is still a weak point, and the spelling of the fourth Standard is indifferent. The children would probably become better able to answer questions if they were made to wait for their turn; as it is a few of the more forward children answer and the rest are habitually silent." Infants Class "

The Infants are bright and intelligent, and pass well in all their work. The difficulties of managing the class in the same room with the older children are very successfully met, and the disadvantages consequent on the want of class-room are much less felt than they otherwise would be. Some good pictures are needed for lessons on Objects, and Natural History

March 2nd.  School late in assembling this morning. I was obliged to leave Mrs Bates in charge for a few minutes, through my own carelessness. The Honourable Lady Neave and Miss Neave came into school this afternoon. The children sang two songs, and her ladyship looked over some of their needlework.
Sept 24th.  Re-assembling of the School after a holiday of six weeks. The extra holiday was added in consequence of the building of an extra room for the School house not being completed. Only 39 children present; the smallness of the attendance being due to the fact that the gleaning has only just begun on the large farms in the village.

1889.
May 24th.  Our School Museum, lately commenced, has made fair headway. We have now specimens of various cocoas in the raw and manufactured state Cocoa Butter, a cocoa pod with beans and a coloured illustration of the Cocoa Harvest. A fine specimen of Plumbago together with specimens of the manufactured article has been presented to our Museum. We hope by securing the co-operation of the Managers and friends of our school and especially the scholars themselves, to make the Museum a powerful factor in our school work. The average for this week has been 65.7.
July 11th.  An Annual Fete in Romford today and therefore a somewhat meagre attendance in the Lower Standards. Total 56.
Dec 16th.  A half holiday given. Object Lessons 1890. The Bee, The Tiger, The Goat, The Elephant, The Whale, The Eagle, The Rabbit, The Cow, The Horse, The Owl, The Cat, The Mouse, The Robin, The Rook, The Lion, A Chair, Cotton, A Needle, Sponge, A Thimble, A Candle, Coal, An Apple, Materials for Clothing, The Blacksmiths Shop, The Dandelion, A Tree, Soap, Water & The Sky.

1890.
Jan 27th.  A very poor attendance this morning. Numbers present 34. On Registers 69.
The reason given by parents in almost every case is bad colds.

1891.
Sept 28th.  Infant children sent to the Infant Room, and another arrangement of the desks made. After a careful examination of the School I can only come to the conclusion that it is in a wretchedly poor condition. Reading is fair throughout but arithmetic is very bad. The children of 2nd Standard, and those of the fifth and sixth are unable to do any work at all. The spelling is bad and below the fifth Standard the scrawls they make can hardly be termed writing. The Infant Class is even in a worse condition. Only 4 children can read at all, and they have to spell even monosyllables. Arithmetic does not seemed to have been taught. They cannot make anything beside strokes, and no object lessons have been given. The most encouraging sign is that the children are sharp and bright.

              Report of H.M. Inspector for year ending Nov. 30th. 1891.
           "The instruction of this school appears to have been in a backward state when the present teacher took charge in September last. In these circumstances the progress of the last quarter is Creditable and there seems to be a good prospect of further improvement. The Reading is very fairly fluent but wanting in spirit and expression. The handwriting is promising. The Arithmetic declines in quality in the upper standards. A beginning has been made in the teaching of grammar but the attainments are too low for any grant under article 10(e). The chief defect in the school work is the scantiness of the answering in the oral examination; this applies with the greatest force to the girls, who show little intelligence and take but feeble interest in their work.
           The Needlework should improve. The infants are on the whole backwards, the first section should read from a suitable primer. The class greatly needs better training in school habits and should be managed with greater vivacity and skill". Before paying the grant under article 104 my Lords would be glad to receive an accurate Census of the population within a two mile radius by the nearest road of the school

1892.
June 9th.  Several children away with Whooping Cough, which seems slowly spreading over the village.
Aug 8th.  On assembling School in the morning it was found that Measles had reached the village, four families having been attacked, it was accordingly determined by the Managers to close the School for a week.
Aug 15th. Measles spreading fast. School closed for a month, Harvest Holiday.
Sept 19th.  School reopened after six weeks holidays, but the gleaning is not over and several are still away. All the Children but two recovered from Measles which has gone quite round the village.
Sept 23rd.  School very fairly full, but the children of the Infant Class are very weak and dull, and during their long absence owing to Whooping Cough and Measles, have forgotten nearly all they had learnt ; This applies more particularly to their Arithmetic and Object Lessons and it seems advisable to cut off one half of the Object Lessons.

1893.
March 17th.  Scarlet Fever has made its appearance in the village, one family away in consequence.
March 22nd.  Scarlet Fever having spread in the village and attacked some of the Masters children, the School was dismissed at 10.15, and the Medical Officer, Dr. Wright, having seen the affected children, at once gave orders for the School to be closed until further notice from him.
May 8th.  The Scarlet Fever having left the village, school was reopened. Only half of the Children present; no children present from Mr Smiths lane. Several new children admitted.

1895.
Feb 8th.  Very cold, Ink frozen every morning both in large jar and ink wells.
June 21st.  A considerable number away Pea Picking.

1896.
Jan 8th.  Three girls complained of rudeness on the part of a boy.
Jan 9th.  Punished James & Joseph Harris in the presence of Rev, F.M. Clayton and the whole school for above offence. Punished J. Reynolds for like offence.
June 4th.  Punished J. Reynolds, constant dirty hands face &c.
July 30th.  Received complaint of school children stealing fruit from gardens. Made a thorough investigation and found Mabel Brown, J. Reynolds, ? Salmons, Ada Wheeler & Flo Ottley were the guilty ones, and that Mabel Brown was much the worse, indeed this child is always most troublesome and defiant.

1897.
April 8th.  Half holiday to enable Master to take his son to Consumption Clinic.
Oct 1st.  Everything much as usual. Admitted two new boys, one Albert Hornaby very backward.
Oct 8th.  Admitted five new children all very backward indeed, one a case of neglect. Attendance improved.
Nov 15th.  Punished J. Theobald for interfering with girls in school porch.

1898
Feb 9th. Rev, R.J. Eales visited. Punished Bertie Clark for misconduct during visit. He struggled and knocked his head against the harmonium slightly.
March 7th.  Punished M. Brown, slightly for sullen disobedience. A troublesome stubborn child, resolved to try the effect of great kindness on her.
May 26th.  72 Present in the morning. The largest attendance for some years past. New Cupboard put in Infants room.
July 15th.  Rev, H. Godefroy visited three times and gave two lessons. Attendance smaller many away pea picking.

1899
Jan 9th.  School reopened after Xmas Holidays.  Government Report 1897-8.
           Steady progress has been made during the year which gives promise of further success. The Scholars are well behaved and earnest in their work. They do well in singing from note, Drawing & Needlework; they also show a creditable improvement in Handwriting. Much of the Elementary work and Recitation is of good quality, the oral class subject is very fairly taught. The Infants are satisfactorily instructed; a Modulator and somewhat easier Reading sheets in large type are needed for Class teaching. The Master has difficult work in this rural school; his zeal and Conscientious Care are praiseworthy

Jan 16th.  Punished J. Farrow slightly for laziness; he tried to kick me, punished him again for this.
June 30th.  Four new children. On books now 80. Average for week 69. A tree which overhangs the yard in front of girls Closets gives me much anxiety during this wet & windy time.
Aug 4th.  Attendance fair. Punished R. Hasler, continued laziness. She is 9 years old & does not know even 3 times table, a bright girl too. Punished W. Ovall, rude conduct to one of the girls.
Sept 18th.  High winds prevalent today. The Elm trees which surround the playground sway very much as the wind is west. As Elm trees are remarkably brittle it seems to me that if they are not lopped they will become dangerous during autumn months, if they are not already.
Nov 6th.  Large branch fell quite close to girl’s closet on Saturday, from the tree which overhangs it

.
1900.
Jan 12th.  Punished W. Wright (slightly) Carelessness.

            Report for year 1898-9 received from Education Department.
A good year’s work has been done and the school is in good order. The Master is practically unaided in the work of teaching six standards, but he accomplishes it with Considerable success. The Reading and Oral Answering of the lower division of the School are not yet good but the upper division has improved generally and the higher Grant for the class subject is therefore recommended, though with some hesitation. The Infants are fairly well ordered and taught

Feb 12th.  Attendance very low, owing to inclement weather. Number on books 73. Number present 36.
Feb 14th.  Owing to fall of snow only a few children came. No school held.
Feb 15th.  School opened, but weather still severe, and attendance bad.
Feb 19th.  Succeeded Mr W. C. Edwards (deceased) in the charge of this school. The attendance is low owing to the bad weather and other circumstances. Am working single handed this week, as the house is not ready for residence. Hy. P.Edden.
March 2nd.  Double session held today, and school dismissed at 3.pm. to commemorate the relief of Ladysmith. Average this week 61.5. A very marked improvement has set in, and children are gaining the lost ground.
March 16th.  There was this week a further increase in attendance, among those who had recently been ill. Mrs Edden was absent today owing to the illness (Bronchitis) of one of our children. Since Wednesday reports have been coming in, that several children had contracted Measles, affecting no less than 27 scholars. Reported same to Correspondent & Vicar, who acting on the advice of the Medical Officer of Health, decided to close the Schools. A notice, of which the following is a copy, was affixed to each of the school entrances.
Copy. Notice is hereby given that owing to the outbreak of Measles in the district, the Medical Officer of Health has ordered the closing of the schools. Further notice will be given when the schools will be open. Signed H. Godefroy.
Apparatus for the use of the children received, consisting of Needlework material including frame. & Thermometers for school use.
April 18th.  Reopened school on Wednesday in Easter Holiday-being curtailed on account of closure from Measles, having extended over a period of four weeks. Four new scholars were admitted. Weekly average 60.3.
May 10th.  Cases of Flagrant cheating having occurred very frequently of late, resorted this day to corporal punishment (1st time) as a means of stamping it out.
May 11th.  Rev, H. Godefroy gave the children a lesson this morning on the Catechism,-especially noting the evils of dishonesty etc. Average attendance this week 78. %.94. Number on books 83. Four recently removed. The % attendance is still exceedingly high. Only two absent all the week, and both these are ill. The percentage for week ending May 4th. was 94.7 and was the highest average since records have been kept. Slightly lower this week owing to severe weather on Monday & Tuesday.
July 14th.  As mentioned last week, the attendance was likely to fall owing to hay making. This has suffered, and so also has the work of the children in school. The heat in the outer room being almost unbearable. Thermometer 83½.°
Aug 2nd.  Registers closed at 9.15. No Scripture taken. School dismissed at 11.30 for treat in afternoon in the grounds of Dagnam Park, kindly lent by Sir T. Neave Bart. School closed this day for the Harvest Holidays. Reassembled on Monday 3rd. Sept. Average this week 83.1.
Oct 4th.  Heavy fall of rain at dismissal. Children detained for about 20 minutes.
Oct 12th.  A supply of disinfectant received today, per favour of J.H. Smith Esq. immediately put it to use in the latrines. On books 79. Present at all 75. Average 71.9. % 91. Four children away ill this week with Chicken Pox.
Oct 15th.  Began fires in school today. Weather very cold.
Nov 2nd.  Owing to the excessive rain, the ceiling in the girls closet has given way and fallen , luckily while no one was near it.
Nov 19th,  Owing to the early drawing in of the days and taking into consideration the very long distances that the little ones travel (2½ to 3. miles, register are now (till Xmas) closed at 1.30.pm. and the children are dismissed at 3. 30.pm. to enable them to reach home before darkness sets in.
Dec 28th.  Copy of H.M. Inspector's Report for the year ending 30th Nov 1900.
           The school has suffered from changes of staff and epidemic sickness, but the present teachers have made a very successful attempt to recover lost ground, and the outlook for the future is most hopeful. The children are in excellent order and the teaching throughout is bright and intelligent, and both teachers deserve much credit for the improvement they have effected in a comparatively short space of time. A better grasp of the principles underlying the Arithmetical rules, and greater readiness in making mental calculations and in answering questions on the matter of the Reading lessons are points to be aimed at. The roof leaks badly, and the offices are in an unsanitary condition. These matters are receiving the attention of the Committee and proposals for remedying them, will shortly be submitted to the Board of Education. The Staff must be strengthened if a Grant under Article 105 of the Code is to be again claimed next year. H.M.Inspector has had some hesitation in reporting that the school has been well taught during the last school year within the meaning of Article 105. I am to (inform) return Form 54 (see Article 8b).
Staff. H.P. Edden. Certificated. M. Edden. Art 50. Signed H. Godefroy.

1901.
Jan 7th.  Reopened the school after the Xmas holidays. Poor attendance owing to heavy fall of snow.
Jan 8th.  Snow fell again very heavily today.
Jan 17th.  Mrs Edden returned today. Some annoyance was caused over the punishment of a boy (J. Cross) through the misstatement of other children. This boy had been punished (see C.P. book) for indecency and untruthfulness and was held in till his mother came. The matter was also explained to the father who concurred in the punishment administered. Owing to tale bearing on the part of other scholars, the man came again in the morning and tried to create a disturbance, and using bad language. He was requested to leave the premises.
Jan 18th.  A Cross came to school this morning. He was sent home with a message to his mother requesting her to attend the school with him, and see the Master, but he did not return. This is a most troublesome boy & although only 6 1/2 years of age is almost incorrigible. On books 68. Present 66. Average 63.6. & 94.
Jan 25th.  On books 70. Present 67. Average 65.5. % 93.5. The offices, which have been undergoing reconstruction, are now complete. The arrangements of the seats have been altered, and the doors now open outwards. The cesspits have been remade with concrete sides and bottom; air shafts are now provided to carry off the foul air and ventilation has been provided in each of the closets. The boy's urinal too has been re drained with four inch pipe and now flows into a proper bricked well made expressly for that purpose. A four foot six fence has been made as a division between the Masters premises and the Girls Offices.
Feb 5th.  Excessively heavy fall of snow during the night (average depth 7 1/2").
Only 9 children came in, and these being wet through were sent home. School closed.
March 19th.  Several children (25) late this afternoon, owing to the proximity of the hounds etc.. Cautioned the children on the matter of straying too far from the school premises.
April 23rd.  St. George's Day. Patriotic Songs sung during the Singing lesson. Special lesson on patron saints formed last lesson today.
May 31st.  On books 77. Present 77. Average 74. % 96. The heat in school during the last three days has been almost unbearable. No rain has fallen for the last three weeks. Cases of fainting occurred in school on Wednesday & Thursday morning (due in two cases to the long walk to school). One boy, W. Collins-seriously unwell.
June 2nd.  Three children absent today on account of the death of their mother, (Mrs Barnard. Wrightsbridge).
June 6th.  "Bear Fair" held today. Registers in the afternoon were closed at 1.45 and the children were dismissed at 3.45 in consequence. Only two were absent who had been present at all, and these with permission. Mr Godefroy called at the close of school to take the Bank and Clothing money.
July 26th.  There has been an excessive run on the school pump during the past week, owing to the fact that "Raisons pump" was polluted by the carcasses of rats and other rodents. This has now been remedied and the pump and well properly cleaned and sealed. Several slight cases of diarrhoea had been reported.
Sept 2nd.  This should have been the date of the Re-opening of the school after the Harvest Holidays, but as the school etc. is not yet out of the hands of the decorators, a weeks further holiday has been given. The whole of the Interior has been renovated, the ceilings have been whitened, the walls coloured and painted, the porch and cloakroom also have been treated in like manner. The pegs in the cloakroom have been rearranged to facilitate the hanging of wearing apparel. The W.C.s have also been whitened, coloured and painted on the inside.
Sept 5th.  The workmen finished decorations today.
Sept 9th.  School reopened this morning. A very good attendance. One boy (William Collins) still absent owing to eyesight; and another (Albert Goddard) in hospital suffering from blood poisoning and rheumatics.
Sept 18th.  Rev, H. Godefroy visited the school this morning, and noted the progress of work in the outer room, and heard the Reading in the classroom. Bill for Re- decoration to hand this morning, total cost £10 9 0. (N.B. Aid Grant £7 10 0.).
Oct 21st.  Fires started in school this morning. Owing to the terrible storm (accompanied by thunder and lightning) of Saturday last, the boys playground is impassable while the girls ground is but little better. Today the children all entered by the south porch to avoid the accumulation of mud etc. against the north porch.
Nov 29th.  End of school year. On books 69. Present 67. Average 66.5. % 95.
During the year 21 have been admitted and 24 have left, a net loss of 3: and unfortunately by far the greater number occurs during the first and fourth quarters of the school year, thus making the teachers work harder than it already is. The average for attendance for the current year is 68 a fall of 3.4 from last year. There is only one child at present on books under five years.

1902.
Jan 17th.  Many of the children have this week seemed to be very unwell; Eyes sunken and cheeks pale. No less than four different cases of fainting have occurred during school hours this week. The School Attendance Officer brought five notices (of notification for Vaccination and re-Vaccination), one hung in school and the other on School fence. Small Pox very bad at Romford
Jan 31st.  On books 67. Present 66. Average 66. % 98.5. Several of the children have suffered very severely from the vaccination, but none have stopped away on that account. New stock of Materials, Needlework & Kindergarten delivered today.
May 6th.  Weather bitterly cold. Thermometer 44° fires resumed, fall of snow during the morning.
June 2nd.  Peace Proclamation received this morning. Flags hoisted on school, children sang patriotic songs. Extra play allowed this morning. "The King" and "Britannia" sang after grace. Cheers for the King were given. One child, boy, admitted today.
June 24th.   News received at the close of school of the Kings serious condition (appendicitis) operation performed. School closed for remainder of week. Kings Bank Holiday-Festival etc. in Dagnam Park postponed till the recovery of the King
July 2nd.  Funeral service, Miss Boyce late Housekeeper to Sir Thomas Neave.
Sept 9th.  Rev, H. Godefroy visited this morning and informed the master of the Coronation Festivities to be held in the grounds of Dagnam Park on the afternoon and evening of the 16th instant.
Nov 12th.  School closed p.m. today. As many of the children had never seen any wild animals except in pictures, those from the 3rd Standard upwards were taken this afternoon to witness the circus performance. By kind permission of Mr G. Sanger the children were allowed to visit the cages of the various animals and watch them being fed.

1903.
March 31st.  During the dinner time today children were present at a Ventriloquist & Conjuring entertainment (12.30 to 1.30.) the first given in the school.
April 24th.  Two boys (A. Cook & J. Wheal) soundly punished with the consent of the parents-today for gross indecency & misconduct on the journey home from school last night.
April 30th.  Amy Gould absent, (cycle accident).
June 7th.  It is with the deepest regret that I have to record the death of J. Sands Esq. of the Priory. Dagnam Park. and one of the Managers of the school ,at 5.30 a.m. this morning (Trinity Sunday).
June 9th.  The Vicar called this morning and introduced Rev, B. White as the new curate. Boys playground flooded.
June 11th.  No school held this afternoon, being the funeral of J. Sands Esq., At the request of Mrs Sands the elder scholars attended the funeral service at South Weald Church. The children subscribed for a wreath which was this morning taken to the Priory.
June 15th.  Owing to the heavy and continuous rain ( since Mid-day Saturday) the water has made the roads impassable in several places-notably at Bear Hill-and no less than 16 children were absent.. Fires were lit in the school today.
Oct 23rd.  School closed today. Desks planed, skimmed and varnished; offices & cloakroom completed.
Nov 20th.  During this week complaints have been received from the parents that their children though sent clean in the morning have returned at night with vermin both in the head and body. The cause of this having been traced to three sisters (Emma, Daisy & Florence Reynolds) the matter was at once reported by J.H. Smith Esq. to the Medical Inspector of Health, who after examination found that both the children and their home were infected with pedicule. These children are therefore suspended from attendance till certified by M.O.H. fit to resume.
Dec 4th.  No on books 75. Present 70. Average 69. % 92. The Reynolds are still away. The elder sister of these children called with her sister to inquire if they could be re instated. The master told them that immediately they were certified as clean they should at once resume their places.

1904.
Jan 11th.  One boy G. Knight reported ill & suffering from Diphtheria. Notice sent to the Ministry of Health.
Feb 12th.  Number on books 79. Present 78. Average 73.2. % 93. The fall this week has been occasioned by three of the children away ill. The boots of the children are beginning to fail through the continued heavy weather. Owing to the kindness of Mrs Sands (The Priory) the three Reynolds children were each provided with a stout pair of boots and a pair of woollen socks, as their own were absolutely useless.
April 15th.  Rev, W.B. White visited. Amy Gould absent today. Attendance for week. On books 79. Present 78. Average 73.9. % 93.5. I have today to resort to corporal punishment. Alfred Cook receiving one stroke on the hand for continued rudeness. I have had to speak to him several times of the same offence but apparently to no effect.
July 27th.  Rev, W.B. White visited. The school breaks up this morning for the Harvest Holidays. The School Treat takes place at Dagnam Park this afternoon. Attendance for week. On books 79. Present 79. Average 77.4  % 97.9.
Oct 10th.  Rather better attendance today. One girl came with her clothes very untidy, and her back showing in places, so I sent her home to get them mended.
Oct 11th.  The above girl (Reynolds) absent today.
Oct 18th.  I have received complaints from parent that their children coming to school clean, return home with vermin. I have traced the same to the Reynolds Family and this morning I sent them home as they were so untidy & dirty. I went to Romford and informed the Vicar & J.H. Smith Esq. who promised to have the same attended to immediately.
Oct 21st.  Average for week. On books 79. Present 78. Average 73.4. %92.9. This is rather lower than usual owing to the 4 Reynolds being absent since Tuesday.
Oct 28th.  Removed names of 4 Reynolds this week. Also V. Joyce who is not likely to be at school for some time. She is suffering with her eyes and in all probability will lose the sight of one. On books 74. Present 74. Average 73.4. % 92.9.
Oct 31st.  The 4 Reynolds have been returned clean & tidy and I have readmitted them, acting on the advice of the Vicar.
Dec 16th.  Nothing special to report this week except the punishment of one girl (at parents wish), for taking other children's dinner. Copy of letter.[ Black Cottages. Dear Sir. I am sorry to say that Elsie did not have any orange from here, so she must have taken it from some ones basket. You will be doing both me and Mr Robinson a very great service if you punish her very severely for it as we cannot stop her from taking things but we think if you would punish her it might do her more good. We are both very sorry to think that she should do such a thing. Yours Respectfully Mrs Robinson.]

Jan 1905.
March 30th.  Rev, J.H. Mitchell visited a.m. A Gould absent till 10 a.m. Very dark morning, so that no work could be done in books. The Lamps had to be lit and kept burning most of the morning.
April 7th.  Very heavy snowstorm this morning causing a considerable drop in the attendance. As it was so very cold, I have had fires in school today. Rather better attendance this afternoon. Attendance for week. On books 88. Present 84. Average 81.2. %91.1

1922
5th May.  Leslie Turner left this week, he has gone to live with his grandmother at Navestock Side. The weather has been very cold and wet, fires have been continued this week. Yesterday evening the gusty wind tore a window from its fastening's, one pane was broken.
8th May.  Admitted William Brown, 9 years, Jack Brown 7 years and Bert Brown 5 years, the two former have attended school at Walthamstow.  I noticed Ethel Lincoln's face breaking out (Impetigo) I told her to get ointment.
9th May.  Ethel Lincoln's face much worse, must sit by herself today, ointment obtained.
19th May.  S.A.O. called in reference to the employment of Les Willis on the Gidea Park Golf Links on Saturdays and Sundays. The boy was warned not to accept any employment whatsoever, he not having attained 12 years of age. Ethel Lincoln's face now much better.
12th July.  Sir Thomas Neave Bart has this day visited the school and has kindly presented two pictures which were hung in the large room. Thomas L H Neave.
S.A.O. visited today. Mr Hales H.M.I. called today.
19th July.  Miss A.L. Boyd was absent today on account of sickness. Lady Turner, The Priory, has presented a case of Indian Butterflies to the school, for which gift she was thanked.
28th July.  By permission of the managers, a double session was held today, the children having been, by the kindness of Sir Thomas and Lady Neave, invited to tea and games in Dagnam Park.
6th Sept.  Two tons of coal delivered here by Dalby & Co.
19th Sept.  This has been a very wet and windy day; the rain has been blown into the porch, wetting the children's coats. I drew the attention of Mr H. Watt to the state of the porches and suggested that new window frames be procured for the windows, which are at present without frames. I also drew his attention to a large puddle, which effectively blocked the way of the infants who use the passageway to reach the playground.
5th Oct.  The following boys are attending the Clinic, Albert Road Council School, this afternoon for Dental Treatment. I have given them their marks. ?

1923.
6th Feb.  Several sheep strayed into the school garden during the early morning & destroyed everything they possibly could. The garden was a ruin.
12th Feb.  Meet of the Essex Hounds at Noak Hill. It has long been the custom at this school to take the scholars to see the meet. As this occurs at 11am, today school will be suspended for a short time in order to allow the scholars to view the meet. They will be required to write a short description of what they have witnessed.
11th July.  Children of upper division taken to cricket field to compete in heats preparatory to their sports tomorrow.
12th July.  School closed for the day for the Noak Hill Fete & Flower Show.
6th Dec.  School Closed for General Election.

1924.
1st July.  By the kindness of Sir Thomas & Lady Neave and the other Managers of the School, 40 of the scholars & staff enjoyed a day at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley. 
18th Dec.  Double Sessions held today by permission of the managers.  The school children have again been invited to an Xmas tea in the Victory Hut, given by the Woman's Institute.  School closes for Xmas Holiday, reopens 5th Jan.

 
1925.
5th Jan.  Reopened school today.  Horace Moore aged 15, is attending school, at the request of his parents. He is not registered as attending.

4th.June.  Received today. Copy. of the H.M.I.s. Report. Board of Education Local Education Authority - Essex. Noak Hill, St Thomas School. No 280 E/13/280/1
           Inspected on 2nd April 1925.  Report by H.M.I. Mr J.W. Veysey.
"Mixed and Infants : Many of the children are undoubtedly of a low grade of intelligence, they are however well disposed and attentive. The written exercises in Arithmetic and Composition are carefully done and display a very fair degree of accuracy. During the past few years improvement has been made in the Reading as regards fluency, but much remains to be done in respect of clear and accurate enunciation, proper phrasing, natural expression and understanding of the language met with in the reading books. Bright and interesting lessons in History, Geography and Nature Study are given to the lower class in the main room and the children make satisfactory response. In the upper group, the master carries out his syllabus conscientiously, but judging by the results of tests set to this group it is evident that the work attempted is beyond the grasp of the lower section of this group. These children ( standards IV and V) should be taught separately on a simpler course of work. The others ( Standards VI and VII) could proceed on a more advanced course, and might be trained to learn a good deal by their own efforts". Signed. H.C. Robins. Correspondent.

11th Dec.  S.A.O. visited. I reported to him that the Passway children had not had any food for their dinner for a week and that we had to supply them. He said he would investigate the case.
15th Dec.  Inspector Martin. R.S.P.C.C. called to investigate, re Passway children.
9th July.  3pm. The children of the upper division taken to see the cricket match between a local team and the Chartered Bank of India & Australia.
16th July.  Village Fete. School Children gave displays of Maypole and Folk Dancing.
31st Aug.  School reopens today.  During the holidays the schoolrooms have been redecorated. Monthly Totals. Sessions 2. Possible 112. Actual 88. Average 44. % 78.5. Jack Dyer reported to have chicken pox, Grace Dyer kept at home as a contact. Eileen Galpin & Cecil Galpin also excluded as contacts. Medical Officers informed

1926.
11th Jan.  School closed for one further week by order of Medical Officer of Health, there has been an outbreak of scarlet fever in the village.
22nd Jan.  On Books 47. Present 31. Average 28.5. % 60 .6. The Passway family have been taken to the Infirmary, Romford. Their father was sentenced to 3 months hard labour for his neglect.

1927.
25th March.  On Books 50. Sessions 10. Possible 500. Actual 458. Average 45.8. % 91.6. Copy of Form 35E; Board of Education. Local Education Authority, Essex.
           Noak Hill, St Thomas C.E. School. No 280. Reg. No. E. 13/280/5.
           Inspected on 25 January 1927. Report by H.M.I. Mr J.W. Veysey.
"The general plans, the schemes of work and the methods of teaching in this small rural school of two classes are on the whole satisfactory. For most of the subjects the Head Teachers class is divided into 4 groups, and for much of the time the children are left to work independently, the work of each group being carefully arranged a week in advance. Generally speaking the results are very fair, but a higher level of attainment would be reached if the Head Teachers plans were carried out with a little more vigour. In a few cases the written Composition of the older children is good, but the Handwriting of the younger children is sometimes untidy. In Reading lessons care is taken to see that the children understand the meaning of individual words, but in reading aloud they should be trained to speak more distinctly. With the senior group fairly good results are obtained in teaching Geography. To arouse the children's interest and assist them in learning Geography and History numerous pictorial illustrations and newspaper cutting's are hung on the walls, but in continuing this commendable practice care should be taken to avoid giving the room an untidy appearance. The boys do not appear to receive much instruction in Drawing, and the results are not very satisfactory. This weakness is partly due to the fact that during these lessons the Head Teacher has at times to devote part of his attention to the boys working in the school garden. The Infants are making satisfactory progress in oral Reading and Handwriting. Signed." A.C. Comer Stone. Correspondent.
1st June. Head Teacher granted permission to attend Blacksmith's Demonstration Van, with 4 boys at Bush's Forge, South Street. Romford.
21st July.  Noak Hill Village Fete. School closed for the day.
5th Dec.  Mr Blundell Brown has invited the School children to attend the Meet of the Essex Hounds 11am at Wrightsbridge. The Managers having granted permission, the children will leave school at 10 :30 am, and return immediately the Hunt moves off.  Mrs Hartop will remain in charge of those at school.

1928.
9th Jan. School reopened today, 22 children only present. Outbreak of Whooping cough responsible. Informed Dr. Ball, Medical Officer of Health. Romford. He visited me at 5pm, and instructed me to close the Infants Department. Particulars forwarded to M.O.H. Chelmsford & Romford.
12th July.  School closed for Village Fete. The children gave displays of Maypole and Sword Dancing.

1929.
29th Jan.  The Nurse visited this morning and inspected the children.
A gramophone has been presented to the School and Village by Mrs Boyd in memory of her daughter. It stands in school on a cabinet made by one of the old boys of the school.
3rd March.  Lady Neave having very kindly presented the school with £2 :10s. A Horlicks Malted Milk equipment has been installed and all the children have the hot milk each morning at playtime, paying where it can be afforded 2d each week.

1931
30 June.  The percentage of attendance having reached 95 for the month of June, the school has earned an attendance holiday.
23rd Oct.  The school will be closed all day on Monday, as attendance holidays were won in June and July.  It will remain closed on Tuesday 27th October as the school will be in use as a Polling Station in the General Election.

1932.
12th Jan.  During the recent gale, something must have come dislodged in one of the chimneys, for no smoke could escape at all, the school being filled. The time table was changed, extra physical exercises being taken while the doors and windows were thrown open to allow smoke and fumes to escape.
10th Feb.  The weather is exceedingly cold, the temperature in both rooms being in the danger zone. On this account frequent physical exercises are being taken. The attendance being small (26 present out of 53) stock is being taken, ordinary lessons bring replaced by extra English and Arithmetic.
30th May.  On entering the main room this morning, I found that a large portion of the plaster from the ceiling had fallen, making a great mess, the school not being usable until it was cleared. Mr H. Watt, a manager, came to investigate the matter, I telephoned to the correspondent and reported what had happened. Class I; is now working in the open air, while the cleaner is clearing up the class room.
1st June. During the summer months, on Wednesday afternoon, weather permitting, the last hour will be devoted to netball, taken in a field near Spice Pits Farm. The lesson missed on Wednesday, will be transferred to Thursday afternoon, instead of the Physical Exercise lesson which appears on the Time Table.
13th June.  Nurse Philpott visited the school and examined the new children, also difficult cases. Gladys, Annie and Joan Hodge were excluded on account of dirty heads.
14th Sept. At 8:50 am. just after the warning bell had been rung, the children were still playing in the playground, the juniors at a game called "Chivvy".  One John Enkel, was being chased by several other children, when he fell over near the fence. Reginald Mumford stumbled on to him and a girl, Grace Gildersleeve fell on top of Reginald. The latter struck his lip on the fence cutting it in the centre. These details were gathered from the children concerned, and eye witnesses, immediately after the accident, as the staff were in their respective classrooms preparing their work. The lip was at once dressed and the bleeding stopped. I sent Reginald and his sister home at 9:10am by car, through the courtesy of Mr Hammer. 9:45am. Eileen Mumford has now returned and reports that Mrs Mumford is taking Reginald to the doctors this morning.
18th Oct.  Dr. Feldman visited the school and examined the Lodge children and Herbert Rawlings to see if they still required free Cod Liver Oil & Malt.