Elementary education in the poor law union of Runcorn from 1870 to 1903

Abstract

This work is confined to a study of the work of the agencies involved with elementary education in the Poor Law Union of Runcorn: The Runcorn School Board, the Board of Guardians, the Rural School Boards and the Voluntary Bodies. The study of the Runcorn School Board gives a detailed account of the elections of the Board, the appointment of officers, the supply of accommodation, the work of the schools and an analysis of the problems of attendance. A special problem was that of the Canal Boat Children and a chapter is devoted to a description of their social and economic background and the efforts made to educate them. The Chapter on the work of the Board of Guardians deals in detail with the work of the School Attendance Committee, the appointment and work of the School Attendance Officers and an account of the work of the Local Committees is included. The section on the payment of school fees shows how this was organised, but is principally concerned with the efforts of the Guardians to avoid the payment of school fees for children attending the voluntary schools in Runcorn. As little material on the work of the Rural School Board survives the work of each Board is described in so far as material is available, and there is a short account of two schools. The Chapter on the Voluntary Bodies includes an account of efforts made by the Churches to Keep their schools, and a description of the effects of the policy of economy. Studies of schools are included. The conclusion gives a general survey of the work in the area and makes comparisons at regional and national levels.